40+ Colorado Elopement & Micro-Wedding Spots
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Your Guide to Colorado Elopement Locations
This guide to the best Colorado elopement locations is packed with stunning spots to say “I do”. So if you’re dreaming of an elopement with a beautiful backdrop and reflects who you are, you’re in the right place.
This guide is full of my favorite locations across the state, handpicked with outdoor-loving couples in mind. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to choose? You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Helping you find a spot that feels just right (scenery, vibe, accessibility and all) is part of what I do. Check out my elopement & micro wedding photography packages here.
If you think we’d be a good fit, let’s connect! I’d love to help you plan out your day and photograph it beautifully.
Important Notes for Elopements in Natural Spaces
When planning your elopement in a natural setting, it’s essential to keep a few things in mind:
- Leave No Trace principles: Always respect the environment by minimizing your impact. Simply pack out all trash and belongings, stick to designated trails, and avoid disturbing to wildlife and other visitors. Learn more about LNT ethics here.
- Steer clear from flower petals & confetti: Even if “biodegradable”, they can cause harm to ecosystems and are not permitted to be left behind. Consider alternatives like streamer sticks.
- Restrictions on decorations: Many outdoor ceremony spots do not allow arches, chairs, or other setups unless approved through a special use permit. Always confirm with the managing agency.
- Jurisdiction-specific rules: Remember that every natural space has its own rules and regulations.
- Stay updated: Rules for outdoor weddings are constantly evolving. Once you decide on your elopement location, reach out to the appropriate authority or private venue to ensure you’re following the most current guidelines.
By being mindful of these considerations, you can enjoy a seamless and environmentally responsible celebration in the great outdoors.
Places to Elope Near Denver & the Front Range
Echo Lake
Why couples love it: It’s located just up a windy road from Idaho Springs, not too far from Denver. Echo Lake is incredibly picturesque, surrounded by towering pines and distant mountain peaks. It’s great for an elopement ceremony along the lake’s edge, a cozy picnic with family in the stone pavilion, or exploring nearby hiking trails for post-vow adventure.
Accessibility: Easily accessible lake views with optional hiking. Open year-round (with temporary winter road closures).
Permits & reservations: Contact Denver Mountain Parks
Halfway House in Boulder
Why couples love it: Perched on Flagstaff Mountain, Halfway House is one of Boulder’s beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony sites with lovely views of the iconic Flatirons and a covered stone structure. This wedding site can accommodate up to 49 people and is a very easily accessible and scenic ceremony site for an elopement or intimate wedding.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible ceremony site, limited parking, available year-round.
Cost: $50-$100 for 1 hour or $175-$275 for 3 hours.
Permits & reservations: Halfway House for your intimate wedding or elopement through Boulder Open Space
Horsetooth Reservoir
Why couples love it: Just west of Fort Collins, this expansive reservoir boasts stunning foothill views, dramatic cliffs, and hidden coves. Its shoreline connects to Lory State Park, offering another gorgeous option for elopements or weddings with up to 25 guests. Early mornings or winter months make this spot especially peaceful and private.
Accessibility: Easily accessible lake views with optional hiking. Open year-round.
Permits & reservations: Groups exceeding 20 guests require a special use permit, and photographers must obtain a permit for any photos taken here. Contact Larimer County
Garden of the Gods
Why couples love it: It’s a true Colorado icon! Garden of the Gods is a super unique location for an elopement with its towering red rock formations and sweeping views of Pikes Peak. This free, public park offers several designated ceremony sites, perfect for couples looking for a dramatic yet accessible setting. Sunrise here will give you lovely lighting and fewer crowds.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible trails and views, open year-round.
Permits & reservations: No permits necessary unless you are using a wedding planner.
More photos: Sunrise Garden of the Gods Wedding
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Why couples love it: Located near Golden, Colorado, this park offers tons of beautiful wedding photo locations and a wonderful wedding site at the Red Barn that you can reserve. The Red Barn feels very secluded, has a beautiful aspen grove, sheltered picnic tables, and open air reception space making it exceptionally ideal for an intimate wedding!
Accessibility: Red Barn is available May through October.
Cost: $150 on weekdays, $200 on weekends
Permits & reservations: Contact Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Guanella Pass
Why couples love it: Located right near Georgetown, Guanella Pass offers breathtaking scenery including meadows, alpine lakes, wildflowers, and stunning views of surrounding peaks. This alpine setting is ideal for couples looking for lots of variety in their photos. Looking for a challenge and adventure? Hike nearby 14er, Mt. Bierdstadt, at sunrise!
Accessibility: The road is typically open between June and November (weather permitting)
Lory State Park
Why couples love it: Located just west of Fort Collins, Lory State Park is a beautiful spot for outdoor elopements as well as larger weddings of up to 100 people. The landscape features stunning views of the foothills, wide open meadows, and Horsetooth Reservoir also.
Accessibility: Easily accessible with hiking trails available, open year-round.
Cost: $75-$300 depending on location and day of week (weekends are more expensive)
Permits & reservations: A special activity permit is required for weddings and events. Contact Colorado Parks & Wildlife
River Bend
Why couples love it: This is a wonderful riverside venue that can accommodate micro weddings! Picture beautiful sandstone walls along a flowing river. They have charming canvas glamping tents and a tiny house resort right on site too! Such a calm and secluded-feeling location right in downtown Lyons, Colorado.
Accessibility: Available Spring through Fall
Permits & reservations: Book through Lyons River Bend
Sunrise Amphitheater
Why couples love it: Up Flagstaff Mountain, not far from Halfway House, you’ll find another outdoor wedding ceremony option! This site offers sweeping views of Boulder, and the amphitheater seating is surrounded by trees, creating a cozy and secluded atmosphere. Before or after your ceremony, take a little hike on some nearby hiking trails! You can reserve this site for up to 100.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible ceremony site. Available between May 1st and October 30th.
Cost: $100-$150 for 1 hour, $300-$400 for 3 hours
Permits & reservations: Reserve Sunrise Amphitheater for your intimate wedding or elopement through Boulder Open Space
Places to Elope Near Estes Park, Colorado
Brainard Lake
Why couples love it: Near the trailhead for Lake Isabelle is this wonderful mountain lake! This is an ideal Colorado elopement location for a two person elopement or a group of less than 12, and is quietest at sunrise! You may very likely spot some moose here too!
Accessibility: The road to Brainard Lake is open between late June and mid-October, weather + conditions permitting. Park space open year-round. During those winter months, you are able to hike up the road, and it’s about 4.5 miles round trip. There is also a timed entry required to access this area from mid-June to mid-October
Cost: $10 Entrance fee
Permits & reservations: Seasonal timed entry required, and special use permit required for groups of 8-12 people
Estes Park Outfitters (Airbnb Wedding)
Why couples love it: It’s an absolutely stunning and completely secluded mountain property! This cabin was grandfathered into National Forest, and is surrounded by hiking, biking, horseback riding, and off-roading opportunities. This is hands-down a perfect location near Estes Park for an unforgettable (and a little bit adventurous) elopement or micro wedding.
Accessibility: Accessible by high-clearance vehicle or snowcat in the winter! This mountain lodge can help hook you up with transportation
Permits & reservations: Contact Estes Park Outfitters
More photos: Remote Off-Grid Cabin Airbnb Wedding in Estes Park
Hermit Park
Why couples love it: A dog-friendly Colorado wedding location near Estes Park that’s much less busy than Rocky Mountain National Park! Hermit Park is known for great camping, hiking and biking trails. They also have little cabins you can stay in and tons of campsites nearby! Enjoy forests, aspen groves, open meadows, and climb to the top of Kruger Rock for those top-of-the-mountain views. There’s even a lovely pavilion + meadow space you can reserve for an intimate wedding.
Accessibility: The park is typically open between March 1st and December 20th.
Cost: $500 for pavilion with access to restrooms, fire pits, picnic tables, horseshoes
Permits & reservations: A photography permit is required. Contact Larimer County
More photos: Hermit Park Wedding with Hiking, Paddleboarding, and Dogs
Lake Isabelle
Why couples love it: Ok, another one of those Colorado elopement locations that’s a very favorite! This one requires a mild ~4 mile round trip hike. This is a wonderfully picturesque location for a summer wedding when the road to Brainard Lake is open! It’s truly majestic here, dog-friendly, but also popular. I highly recommend this location as a elopement sunrise hike. And don’t forget to get your timed entry!
Accessibility: Open year-round, with a significantly longer hiking distance when Brainard Lake Road is closed between about mid-June until mid-October.
Cost: $10 Entrance fee
Permits & reservations: Seasonal timed entry required, and special use permit required for groups of 8-12 people
More photos: Lake Isabelle Colorado Wedding with Sunrise Hike
Mary’s Lake
Why couples love it: This is a great Estes Park location that’s outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s dog-friendly too! Picture both rocky and flat shorelines, pine trees, and even picnic areas. There is a power plant located here, but it’s easy to stay away from (and keep out of photos).
Accessibility: Open year-round.
Permits & reservations: You must notify Estes Valley Recreation & Park District of your event, and a special use permit is required for groups of 5 or more.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Why couples love it: Incredible mountain views and a huge variety in landscapes within a short distance. Hike, or even roadtrip from scenic location to scenic locations and find yourself in absolute awe the entire time. RMNP does require a permit for any sort of vow reading or ceremony which must be held at a designated ceremony site, but you can hike or wander around for couples photos before or after! Check out my Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Guide and learn everything you need to know to get married in this iconic Colorado wedding location.
Accessibility: Open year-round with wheelchair accessible ceremony site options.
Cost: $300
Permits & reservations: Contact Rocky Mountain National Park
More photos: Sprague Lake wedding
YMCA of the Rockies
Why couples love it: YMCA of the Rockies has two locations, one in Estes Park and one in Granby, Colorado. Not only is this a fun and scenic wedding location, but they also offer lodging and an abundance of outdoor activities like zip-lining, horseback riding, fishing, ice skating, cross-country skiing—and the list goes on. It’s great for any size of wedding in the mountains, and all the activities make for great photo opportunities as well.
Accessibility: Open year-round.
Permits & reservations: Contact YMCA of the Rockies
Loving these Estes Park wedding locations? Check out my Estes Park Intimate Wedding Venue Guide for more!
Places to Elope Near Winter Park, Colorado
Berthoud Pass
Why couples love it: Berthoud Pass is a great elopement location between Winter Park and Idaho Springs and ideal for couples willing to hike at high elevation to get to their ceremony spot! Soon after the parking area at the pass, about 1 mile in, the trails open up to 360 degree mountain views above tree line! This spot is beautiful at both sunrise or sunset.
Accessibility: Open year-round with possible temporary road closures due to winter conditions.
Jones Pass
Why couples love it: Jones Pass is a rugged mountain off-road trail that will lead you up to 360-degree mountain views. It’s located between Idaho Springs and Winter Park, not far from Denver! Jones Pass offers a remote and adventurous route with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
Accessibility: Typically passable from June through early October, conditions permitting.
Rollins Pass
Why couples love it: Located near Winter Park, this bumpy dirt road is a fun off-road elopement location! The top of the road leads you up above tree line to some incredible views and hiking trails with stunning alpine lakes. And the stargazing? It’s pretty great up here!
Accessibility: Road is typically open between mid-June and mid-November.
More photos: August Hiking Elopement
Places to Elope Near Steamboat Springs
Pearl Lake
Why couples love it: Nestled in Northern Colorado near Steamboat Springs, Pearl Lake is a hidden gem for couples seeking a serene and intimate wedding location. Surrounded by dense pine forests and rolling mountains, this picturesque alpine lake offers a tranquil setting perfect for elopements or small ceremonies. Pearl Lake is ideal for couples who love water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding and want endless photo opportunities! There are even some wonderful campsites tucked around the lake, picnic areas, and hiking trails connecting it all.
Accessibility: Open year-round with limited services in the winter
Permits & reservations: Contact Colorado Parks & Wildlife
More photos: Steamboat Springs Wedding with Dogs & Canoeing
State Forest State Park
Why couples love it: It’s another underrated Colorado elopement location if you ask me! Located up North, State Forest State Park offers amazing hiking trails, lakes, and even one of my favorite Colorado lakes with an island in the middle! This is a popular area for spotting wildlife, especially moose, and it’s a great area for camping as well!
Accessibility: Open year-round
Permits & reservations: Wedding permit required and available through Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Steamboat Lake
Why couples love it: Steamboat Lake is located just around the corner from Pearl Lake! This lake is significantly bigger, also offers great mountain views, is dog-friendly, and has some wonderful sandy shores. This is clearly a great Colorado elopement location for couples who want to be by water when they say “I do”.
Accessibility: Open year-round
Permits & reservations: Contact Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Places to Elope Near Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Vail & Dillon
Boreas Pass
Why couples love it: It’s a scenic high-mountain dirt road near Breckenridge, Colorado that is known for beautiful mountain views, fall foliage, and an old abandoned mining town to wander about!
Accessibility: Accessible to vehicles May through October.
Dillon Marina Park Pavilion
Why couples love it: Lakefront pavilion with incredible mountain views available for wedding ceremonies and receptions. While you’re there, don’t forget to book a private sunset sailboat charter for amazing photos like this.
Cost: $500-$1800 depending on date and length of time
Accessibility: Available May 1st through September 30th
Permits & reservations: Dillon Marina
Hoosier Pass
Why couples love it: Hoosier Pass is another one of those Colorado elopement locations that’s accessible year-round (weather pending) and also offers stunning high alpine views! It’s a popular spot for camping in the summer season and backcountry skiing during the winter. Take one of the hiking trails on either side of the pass and wander until you find the perfect-for-you spot for your wedding ceremony.
Accessibility: Open year-round with potential road closures due to winter driving conditions.
Loveland Pass
Why couples love it: Located at almost 12,000 ft in elevation along the Continental Divide, Loveland Pass connects the towns of Dillon and Empire, Colorado. This pass is open year-round and is popular for backcountry skiing and (steep) hiking. Along the pass, and accessible late spring to late fall, is Pass Lake. A lovely spot to wander and have an elopement ceremony with incredible views.
Accessibility: Open year-round with temporary winter road closures due to conditions. Easily accessible views and optional hiking.
Sapphire Point Overlook
Why couples love it: This is a very popular wedding ceremony site located between Keystone and Breckenridge and overlooking beautiful Dillon Reservoir. It’s available year-round and can accommodate up to 30 people.
Accessibility: Open year-round
Cost: $120
Permits & reservations: Reservations are required for weddings at Sapphire Point Overlook. They become available 6 months in advance, and can be booked through recreation.gov. Be ready! They sell out fast. If reservations sell out, then another a great nearby backup location would by Windy Point!
Windy Point
Why couples love it: It’s another beautiful ceremony spot on Dillon Reservoir, and arguably a little more hidden and less popular than Sapphire Point Overlook. This site can accommodate up to 100 people and is available between mid-May and late-September/early-October. The group site with the pavilion is tucked along a little inlet and a perfect spot for an intimate wedding celebration as well!
Cost: $232-$286
Permits & reservations: Reservations are required for weddings at Windy Point and can be booked through recreation.gov
Places to Elope Near Aspen
Maroon Bells
Why couples love it: This is one of the most iconic and recognizable Colorado wedding locations because of it’s picturesque scenery. This location is especially brilliant at sunrise when the warm sunlight hits the red mountains. This site can accommodate up to 50 people.
Accessibility: Road to Maroon Bells is typically open late-May through early-October. Winter access by foot or snow-mobile permitted.
Cost: $200
Permits & reservations: Wedding reservations for Maroon Bells Amphitheater can be made up to one year in advance, but be advised that they sell out very quickly so be ready if you have a particular date in mind! Available through recreation.gov
More photos: Maroon Bells Amphitheater Wedding with a Sunrise Hike
Independence Pass
Why couples love it: There are so many lovely hikes, grottos, lakes, streams, and high alpine mountain views to explore in this area! It’s also easy to combine with Independence Pass or Twin Lakes, before or after, for a whole lot of variety and epic scenery.
Accessibility: Typically open between late-May and November, conditions permitting
Places to Elope Near Buena Vista
Cottonwood Pass
Why couples love it: This particularly stunning mountain pass located near Buena Vista offers 360 degree scenic views, wonderful hiking trails, and a perfect mix of aspen groves, pine trees, lakes, and obviously, mountains galore.
Accessibility: Typically open between late-May and November, conditions permitting
Permits & reservations: Contact San Isabel National Forest
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Why couples love it: It’s arguably one of the most unique elopement locations in Colorado, and somewhere you really have to see in person to even wrap your head around. Picture massive (and seemingly endless) sand dunes in front of 13,000+ ft tall mountain peaks. Nearby is a hidden waterfall hike that gives you a complete different scenery too! If you have fewer than 15 people, you can have your ceremony right on the dune field! Otherwise, wedding ceremonies are permitted at the amphitheater.
Accessibility: Open year-round
Cost: $200 wedding permit
Permits & reservations: Contact Great Sand Dunes National Park
More photos: Great Sand Dunes Elopement with Frozen Waterfall Hike
Twin Lakes
Why couples love it: Twin Lakes is one of the most grand Colorado elopement locations with postcard like views of the Sawatch Range, towering 14,000+ foot mountains in front of a massive lake with rocky (and even some sandy!) shores. This is a beautiful + picturesque landscape for an elopement or small wedding ceremony, with plenty of hidden gem hiking trails and photo locations nearby as well.
Accessibility: Open year-round
Permits & reservations: Contact Leadville Ranger District or Pike and San Isabel National Forest
Places to Elope Near Crested Butte
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Why couples love it: This is arguably one of the most underrated national parks in Colorado. The landscape here is rugged and dramatic with steep cliffs overlooking the Gunnison River. This remote and awe-inspiring park offers inspiring views at both sunrise and sunset, providing a blend of solitude and adventure.
Accessibility: Open year-round with winter closures on South Rim Drive
Cost: $100
Permits & reservations: Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Crested Butte Land Trust
Why couples love it: The Crested Butte Land Trust protects and manages some of the most beautiful and ecologically significant areas around Crested Butte. To host a wedding or event on their lands, you’ll need to choose from two ceremony sites, Woods Walk or Peanut Lake, and obtain a permit. Since the wedding permit acts as a donation, you’re able to use it as a tax write off! Plus you know it’s going to a great organization.
Accessibility: Woods Walk is available year-round
Cost: $2,000 donation, $500 of which is a refundable deposit
Permits & reservations: Contact Crested Butte Land Trust
Kebler Pass
Why couples love it: Located near Crested Butte, Kebler Pass is a breathtaking spot known for its vast aspen groves, which are among the largest in the world! The area also features stunning mountain vistas, wildflower-filled meadows, and secluded spaces perfect for a meaningful ceremony. There are even horseback riding opportunities at this location! Kebler Pass is typically accessible from late spring to early fall, depending on snow conditions.
Accessibility: Typically open between late-May and November, conditions permitting.
Permits & reservations: Contact Gunnison Ranger District
More photos: Intimate Crested Butte Wedding and Sopris House Reception
Lake Irwin
Why couples love it: Just off Kebler Pass is this wonderful recreation area! There’s a campground, dispersed campsites, and lots of hiking activities. This is a wonderful spot near Crested Butte to get out on the water with canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards. Plus I know an incredible secret spot nearby that’ll blow your mind!
Accessibility: Typically open between mid-June and early-October
Permits & reservations: Contact Gunnison Ranger District
Love what you see? Then check out my full Crested Butte Elopement & Intimate Wedding Guide!
Places to Elope Near Grand Junction
Colorado National Monument
Why couples love it: This is one of the most unique elopement locations in Colorado located near Grand Junction. Picture beautiful panoramic desert scenery and dramatic cliffs. My personal favorite spot for a wedding ceremony here is at Book Cliffs!
Accessibility: Open year-round
Cost: $150 wedding permit
Permits & reservations: Apply for a wedding permit through Colorado National Monument
Places to Elope Near Ouray & Silverton
Bonnie Belle Cabin
Why couples love it: Airbnb wedding with a twist, anyone? This is one of my very favorite Colorado elopement locations near Silverton, Colorado if you’re up for an adventure. This cabin is incredibly remote and only accessible by off-road vehicle. It’s a wonderful off-grid cabin with epic mountain views in every direction. Perfect for a 2 person elopement and making bucket-list like memories. Oh, and it’s dog-friendly!
Accessibility: Accessible by capable 4×4 vehicle between July 1st and September 30th.
Cost: $500/night for accommodations (plus taxes + fees)
Yankee Boy Basin
Why couples love it: Located near Ouray, Colorado, Yankee Boy Basin is a stunning high-alpine destination perfect for off-road elopements and small weddings. This area offers endless photo opportunities with its dramatic mountain views, rushing waterfalls, and vibrant wildflowers in the summer months. This area is typically accessible from June through early-October, depending on snowfall.
Accessibility: Accessible by capable 4×4 vehicle, typically between early May and early-November, snow conditions permitting.
More photos: September Off-road Wedding
Places to Elope Near Telluride
Alta Lakes & Alta Lakes Observatory
Why couples love it: A serene mountain escape near Telluride, Colorado, anyone? Another favorite Colorado elopement destination (and the observatory is a perfect spot for a unique intimate wedding too!). The observatory is a rustic yet cozy retreat. Get ready in the beautiful home, have your ceremony in the “backyard” and then pop out on the lake for some canoeing photos at sunset!
Accessible: Accessible with capable vehicles year-round.
Permits & reservations: Contact Alta Lakes Observatory
Bridal Veil Falls
Why couples love it: One of Colorado’s most unique elopement locations, where massive sand dunes meet 13,000+ ft mountain peaks. For fewer than 15 guests, you can have your ceremony right on the dunes! Nearby, a hidden waterfall hike offers a completely different scenery for photos and adventure. Larger ceremonies take place at the amphitheater.
Accessibility: Winter road closures. Accessible by foot year-round, though winter hiking conditions can be dangerous
Dunton Hot Springs
Why couples love it: It’s a luxurious and all-inclusive resort surrounded by natural beauty, and you guessed it, hot springs!
Accessibility: Open year-round
Cost: $2,700 + accommodations for elopements
$6,500 + accommodations for intimate weddings
Reservations: Dunton Hot Springs
Hidden Gem Elopement Locations in Colorado
Colorado is home to countless hidden gem elopement locations—special, lesser-known spots that feel like they’re straight out of a calendar (because they probably are). These unique places are perfect for couples who crave intimacy and want their wedding day to feel truly their own as well. Many photographers, myself included, keep these locations under wraps, sharing them exclusively with our clients. Why? It’s part of our commitment to Leave No Trace ethics, of course! Because by preserving the beauty and privacy of these spaces, we can ensure they remain pristine and magical for years to come. When you work with a photographer who values these principles, you’re not just getting a beautiful location—you’re part of a thoughtful effort to protect Colorado’s wild places.
To learn more about how to elope in Colorado, find recommended vendors, and more, check out my Ultimate Colorado Wedding Photography Guide.
How to Elope in Colorado
No matter where you’re coming from, you can indeed legally tie the knot here with a Colorado marriage license! And here’s the best part—Colorado isn’t just one of the most scenic places to get married; it’s also one of the few states where you can self-solemnize. That means no witness, no officiant—just you, your partner, and those especially jaw-dropping mountain views making it official.
Getting your Colorado marriage license is easier than you might think, but it’s important to know that every county clerk’s office has its own process and requirements. Because these rules and systems are constantly being updated, find an office that’s on your route and check their website for the most up-to-date details. Some offices, especially in busier cities, require an appointment, while others accept walk-ins. Planning ahead will save you time and stress, so you can focus on the exciting part—getting married!
Ready to learn more about the ins and outs of eloping in Colorado? Then check out my Ultimate Colorado Elopement Photography Guide.
Your Colorado Elopement Photographer + Location Matcher
Hey, I’m Amber!
I’m an Estes Park, Colorado-based elopement and micro wedding photographer who’s all about capturing your day in a way that feels laid-back, fun, and so you.
Beyond being there to beautifully photograph your day, I’m also here to make the entire process exciting and stress-free—helping you plan, explore incredible locations, and feel completely at ease every step of the way.
Think we might be a good fit? Then fill out the inquiry form below to get started!
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