Rocky Mountain National Park
Elopement Guide
Let’s Elope in the Rockies
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful and unique locations you could choose for your elopement! The serene nature, accessible elopement location options, and endless choices for adventurous activities before and after your ceremony make it a perfect choice for couples looking for an intimate and unforgettable wedding experience.
I love photographing elopements in this magical place, but there are definitely some special considerations to keep in mind while planning your Rocky Mountain National Park elopement. Fortunately, I know all the tips, tricks, and rules, and I’ve collected them below in this Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Guide to make planning your elopement a breeze!
Why Should You Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park?
01/
Jaw-Dropping Views
Rocky Mountain National Park truly has some of the most gorgeous backdrops in Colorado for your mountain elopement.
02/
Amazing Ceremony sites
The park service only allows wedding and elopement ceremonies at one of their designated sites – but there are 11 stunning options to choose between!
03/
Easy Travel & Accommodations
Rocky Mountain National Park is only about 1.5 hours from Denver International Airport. Two of the entrances the park are right in Estes Park, which is the cutest mountain town with tons of places to stay, eat, and shop.
04/
So Much Nature to Explore
The hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and crystal clear alpine lakes in the park are pretty much endless. There are so many cool ways you can incorporate an epic adventure in nature into your Rocky Mountain National Park elopement!
Where to Elope in
Rocky Mountain National Park
The most important thing to consider when planning your RMNP elopement is that you can only have a ceremony at one of the designated sites. The good news is: there are lots of beautiful designated wedding sites throughout the park. The bad news is: hike-in elopements at places like Dream Lake, Sky Pond, and Lake Haiyaha are not allowed (no worries though, we can adventure before or after your ceremony)!
Each site has a maximum number of guests, which includes the couple, photographer (that’s me!), any other vendors, and guests. Each site also has a maximum number of vehicles—even though many of these sites have additional parking, it’s important to keep these areas accessible to other park visitors.
But first—the fun part! Let’s go over all the site options, including their locations, restrictions, and what makes each site a completely unique, spectacular place to elope. For more information about all the ceremony sites in Rocky Mountain National Park, visit the National Park Service’s website.
Lily Lake
Lily Lake has three ceremony sites around the lake, all of which are a short, wheelchair-accessible trail from the parking area. A wooden dock juts out over the crystal clear lake, or you can travel along the Lily Lake trail to a knoll and aspen grove overlooking the lake.
Each site has its own maximum guest restriction (between 10 and 30 guests), so if you’re in love with Lily Lake, you can choose your ceremony space based on the size of your microwedding or elopement and get these stunning views in your bridal portraits.
One of my favorite things about Lily Lake is that it’s the only elopement ceremony location in Rocky Mountain National Park where you and your guests don’t have to go through an entrance station. This makes it super easy for guests to get to, and no one has to wait in a line to enter!
Bear Lake Nature Trail
The Bear Lake Nature Trail is a short loop hike around a tree-lined lake. There is no dedicated ceremony space, but so many rock outcroppings, overlooks with mountain views . . . and even the lake itself! Weddings aren’t permitted at Bear Lake on weekends or during the peak summer season, but it’s a gorgeous winter choice because the lake freezes over, often in interesting, rippled patterns of ice. Imagine an elopement standing on top of a frozen lake!
The ceremony permit for Bear Lake Nature Trail allows for 20 total people and five vehicles, so this site would work great for a microwedding as well.
3M Curve
The ceremony site at 3M Curve is on a rock outcropping that overlooks the meadow below with gorgeous, unobstructed mountain views. If you’re looking for a wide expanse of mountains for your Rocky Mountain National Park elopement, this is the spot for you.
3M Curve is super convenient to get to (just 3.5 miles from the park entrance). The ceremony permit for this site allows for 15 total people (which includes the couple, guests, and any vendors) and three vehicles.
Alluvial Fan Bridge
The Alluvial Fan is one of the most interesting natural formations in Rocky Mountain National Park—a massive waterfall tumbling over a steep boulder field. The ceremony site at Alluvial Fan is on a quaint wooden footbridge with this waterfall as the backdrop.
However, this location is a very popular park landmark and can be busy in the summertime. Consider an off-season elopement here—the waterfall freezes over in the winter in a stunning cascade of ice. You can bring up to 20 total people and five vehicles to an Alluvial Fan elopement.
Hidden Valley
Hidden Valley has a little bit of almost everything Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer—wildflower meadows, forest backdrops, aspen groves, and mountain views. The trail to the ceremony site is wheelchair-accessible, there are restrooms at the parking area, and you can have up to 30 total people, making Hidden Valley a great choice for a small, intimate wedding with family.
Harbison Meadow Picnic Area
Harbison Meadow is a gorgeous, wide-open meadow on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. This side of the park is typically less busy, so you can enjoy the wildflowers and wildlife that frequent the area in peace with your partner (or up to 30 total guests).
Copeland Lake
Copeland Lake is accessible by dirt road and a short walk to a pristine lake surrounded by trees. Consider an early summer elopement here when the water level is at its highest, or a winter elopement when the lake is frozen and snow-covered.
Copeland Lake is also one of the few sites in Rocky Mountain National Park that allows a ceremony with up to 30 total guests year-round!
Moraine Park Discovery Center
Moraine Park is an ideal choice for a slightly larger Rocky Mountain National Park elopement, especially if you choose a date outside of the peak summer season. The amphitheater offers sweeping views of Moraine Park and Longs Peak, as well as a rustic, rocky backdrop.
The amphitheater also has wooden benches for guests, and it’s one of only two ceremony sites in the park that allow dogs! This site has a limit of 30 people and 10 vehicles between Memorial Day weekend and the beginning of October.
Sprague Lake
The ceremony space at Sprague Lake is on a rustic dock over an alpine lake, with clear views of Hallett Peak as the backdrop. This can be a high-traffic area, especially in summer, but I’ve found people to be very respectful of eloping couples. It’s also a beautiful off-season choice especially for a slightly larger guest list, and you won’t be too far from a warm car! The trail around the lake offers tons of portrait locations, and there are plenty of nearby spots to adventure to.
Sprague Lake only allows 15 total people and three vehicles for microweddings and elopements during the summer, but the limit increases to 30 people and 10 vehicles in the off-season.
Upper Beaver Meadows
Upper Beaver Meadows is an ideal summer elopement spot, with views of the Continental Divide and easy access from Estes Park (just 1.5 miles from the visitor center). A huge open meadow provides a stunning ceremony location, with many unique backdrops for portraits throughout the area. The large space not directly along a lake or trail also makes this a bit more private—less likely to have hikers wandering into your ceremony!
The road to Upper Beaver Meadows is typically closed from mid-October to mid-May, but when it’s open, the site allows up to 30 total guests and 10 vehicles.
Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater
Timber Creek offers partial views of the Colorado River and a large campground nearby, perfect for a camping elopement and days of adventuring! The amphitheater has a stage for some protection from the weather, and bench seating for guests. It’s one of the most accessible ceremony sites in the park and allows dogs, though keep in mind that it doesn’t have the mountain backdrop for ceremony photos of other locations.
Because it’s located on the west side of the park, the area around Timber Creek is typically less busy, offering more privacy for you and up to 20 total guests.
Did one of these locations strike your fancy? Reach out to me to start planning your ideal Rocky Mountain National Park elopement!
When Should you
Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park?
The park is open year-round, so you can elope in Rocky Mountain National Park any day you want, but each season brings different ~vibes~ and things to consider.
The diverse nature in the park offers something beautiful in every season, from changing leaves in fall, to frozen lakes and waterfalls in winter, to wildflowers in spring. No matter when you choose to elope, I can help you make sure you’re prepared for whatever conditions nature throws at us.
Check out my blog post about eloping in Colorado any time of year! Or keep scrolling for a RMNP-specific breakdown of each season.
Summer
Rocky Mountain National Park is insanely beautiful in the summer, and it never gets too too hot! Summer typically starts in mid to late June and ends around August. This is the perfect time to explore those incredible higher elevation hikes. Summer is, by far, the busiest season in the park, and July is the most popular month to visit!
Summer brings evening thunderstorms, so we’ll want to bring rain coats, and I’ll pack my clear umbrellas! This does restrict hiking, as we want to be back to lower elevation before a thunderstorm can catch us exposed on a mountaintop.
Fall
Want to explore the park during peak fall colors? You’ll want to visit in late September or early October. The higher up in elevation you go, the earlier the colors will pop. Make sure to adventure around the park to find the best grove that day!
Fall is also when the elk rut happens, and all of the meadows of the park are shut down to allow the elk to frolic. It’s amazing to see, but will restrict access to some spots in the park.
Winter
Picturing a snowy elopement? You’re in luck – Rocky starts getting snow around mid-October and it can persist into May. Not all winter months are created equally, with March and April typically seeing the most snow precipitation and January typically seeing the most sunshine. One thing you can almost always guarantee in Estes Park in the winter is wind, especially at high elevations and along the Bear Lake Corridor.
Winter elopements will want to consider layering (I’d recommend base layers under formal wear and investing in warm coats), and traction devices (either microspikes or snowshoes). Luckily you can borrow some traction devices from me, or you can rent them in town at the Estes Park Mountain Shop! Snowshoes and poles are $7/person and microspikes are $12/person.
Spring
“Spring” in Rocky Mountain National Park is pretty snowy until May or June, and you won’t start seeing wildflowers until June. I absolutely adore the lower elevations in Rocky in early June, with green returning, flowers blooming, and cool temperatures perfect for long hikes. This is also when Trail Ridge Road typically reopens (late May or early June)!
Elope on a weekday!
One of my biggest pieces of advice for couples choosing when to elope is to pick a weekday! Unlike with a traditional wedding, you don’t have to worry about guests’ schedules, so there’s no reason to limit yourself to weekends.
Especially during peak season, Estes Park can become super trafficky on the weekends and take longer than you’d expect just to get through town. All the trails, roads, and overlooks around the park are less busy with other visitors on weekdays, allowing more privacy for an intimate elopement ceremony.
And as an added bonus, weekdays are typically cheaper for booking vendors and accommodations!
Got a season in mind for your elopement? I’d love to chat about all the pros and cons and help you pick the perfect time of year for your Rocky Mountain National Park elopement!
Adventuring during your Rocky Mountain National Park elopement
One of the best things about elopements is that your wedding day is entirely your own. You can plan a whole day of activities that feel true to you as a couple, and Rocky Mountain National Park is a perfect place for that!
Whether you want to drive around taking in the views (and taking portraits with gorgeous backdrops), or change into your hiking boots and go on an adventure, I’m here to help you plan the perfect day from start to finish.
Here are some ideas to get you started . . .
Share your vows at Bear Lake, then backpack to an alpine lake for your honeymoon. One of my favorite loops is to start at Bear, hike to Odessa Lake, stay overnight, and then hike out via the Fern Lake Trail.
Tie the knot at 3M Curve, and then adventure your way up Trail Ridge Road. We can stop for portraits, walks, and even stay up there after dark to see the Milky Way.
Have an intimate ceremony with your nearest and dearest at Lily Lake, and then head into the main entrance to explore the park just the two of you. (Check out the stunning Lily Lake elopement I shot with this exact itinerary!)
Celebrate with the ultimate camping elopement with your best friends and closest family at Timber Creek Campground. Have your ceremony at the amphitheater, and then spend a few days exploring the park (alone or with everyone)! As a bonus, Grand Lake is nearby if anyone isn’t down to camp!
Commit to a lifetime together in the middle of winter on the dreamy Sprague Lake dock, and skate the day away. Then head back into Estes to share a hot chocolate and relax in your Airbnb’s hot tub.
Start with an early morning hike on one of my favorite trails in Estes Park, and spend a moment watching the sun rise over the Rockies on your elopement day. Then take some time to read over your vows one last time and copy them into your vow books next to a gorgeous alpine lake before your ceremony.
Where to Stay Near
Rocky Mountain National Park
Chances are, if you’re planning a Rocky Mountain National Park elopement, you’ll want to spend at least a couple days taking in all the sights that this beautiful area has to offer. I always suggest that couples arrive a day or two before their ceremony date so they can settle in and have a stress-free elopement day.
The two main towns with entrances to Rocky Mountain National Park are Grand Lake and Estes Park. Grand Lake is on the west side, and Estes Park is on the east. I’d recommend staying as close to your ceremony site as possible. This is especially important in winter, when Trail Ridge Road (which connects the two towns) is closed. Grand Lake and Estes Park both have lots of options for lodging, no matter your style!
Camping
There are five campgrounds inside Rocky Mountain National Park, costing $30-70 per night depending on the season. Each campground has its own rules, open seasons, and amenities. Some campsites can be reserved in advance during the summer. For more information, check out the National Park Service’s website.
There are also multiple private campgrounds near the park entrances in Estes Park and Grand Lake.
Lodging in Estes Park
- Airbnb – There are tons of house and condo rentals for groups of all sizes in Estes Park on Airbnb. I’m happy to help you choose the perfect option!
- The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park’s most iconic and historic (and haunted!) hotel books up quickly, but it’s definitely a unique experience, and worth taking a tour during your visit.
- Mountain Village at Estes Park Resort – These beautiful luxury vacation rentals are right on Lake Estes, and the modern indoors are perfect for getting ready.
- Hotels, Cabins, and Lodges – Visit Estes Park can help you filter options based on location and amenities—there are just too many here to mention!
Best Dinner Spots in Estes Park
What better way to cap off your adventurous elopement day in Rocky Mountain National Park than with a romantic dinner for two? Here are some of my favorite restaurants in Estes Park that would be perfect for an elopement day dinner.
- Bird & Jim – Slightly upscale, very quintessentially Colorado restaurant that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients. They also have a great cocktail menu!
- Dunraven – Italian food, steaks, and seafood in a beautiful lodge with a unique bar.
- Twin Owls Steakhouse – Great upscale steakhouse just five miles outside Estes Park.
And if you’re feeling a little more casual, Ed’s Cantina serves great Mexican food, Himalayan Curry & Kebob is right downtown and delicious, and Fresh Burger Stop has the best burgers in town!
Want more Rocky Mountain National Park Inspiration?
Check out these elopement days!
Snowy Hiking Elopement in Rocky Mountain National Park
Lily Lake Elopement
How to Plan your Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement
Step 1:
Contact me
First things first, fill out my contact form! No worries if you don’t have all the details figured out yet—reach out to me with your ideas, and I can help walk you through the rest of the steps from inquiry to elopement day. I pride myself on being not just an elopement photographer, but also a local expert, planner, and my couples’ best friend as they navigate the elopement planning process.
Step 2:
Pick a time & Place
This is where I come in as your on-the-ground local expert. I’ll help you choose between the 11 ceremony site options in Rocky Mountain National Park based on your preferences and priorities. If one of the sites above has already piqued your interest, awesome! But I can also provide behind-the-scenes insights about each site to help you choose the perfect location for your elopement.
Once we have the location nailed down, if you don’t already have a date in mind, I’ll help you choose the perfect timing for whatever activities and backdrop you’re envisioning on your Rocky Mountain National Park elopement day.
Step 3:
Secure A Ceremony Permit
Couples planning an elopement or wedding in Rocky Mountain National Park have to apply for a permit through the National Park Service website.
To apply for a permit, you’ll need to download a Special Use Application from the National Park Service’s website and email it to [email protected].
Plan in advance! The National Park Service starts accepting applications a year in advance of the month of the wedding (i.e., they will start accepting applications for all June 2025 weddings on June 1, 2024). Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Permits are $300, and you can read more information about permit rules and regulations on the National Park Service’s website. You’ll receive an email with payment instructions once your application has been accepted.
Normal entrance fees apply to all vehicles associated with the ceremony.
If you’ve looked into a Rocky Mountain National Park visit before, you may have heard about the park’s timed entry system during peak season (May- October). Your special use permit will act as an entry reservation beginning two hours before your ceremony time, so you won’t need a separate timed entry reservation—but do keep timed entry rules in mind if you’re eloping in the summer and plan to adventure in the park the day before or after. You can read my blog with more info about the timed entry system!
The permit also covers your officiant and photographer, and you can go other places in the park to take photos after your ceremony—just include this on your application.
If this is all sounding a little overwhelming, don’t worry! I’ve been through this process many times before, and I can guide you through every step to make sure everything is squared away before your elopement.
Step 4:
Find other Vendors
If your dream elopement includes florals, hair and makeup, ice skating or snowshoeing, or even an off-roading adventure, I can provide tailored recommendations for vendors to make it all happen! I have great relationships with many local vendors and experience with many of the hotels, restaurants, and rental companies in the area.
Step 5:
Learn How to Get Married Legally
You can apply for a marriage license for use anywhere in the state of Colorado from any Colorado county clerk and recorder’s office.
Estes Park is located in Larimer County, and the county clerk and recorder is in Fort Collins. You can fill out an application for a marriage license online, but both of you will need to go in person and bring valid ID to pick it up.
Marriage licenses are $30 and are valid for 35 days after issuance. After signing, you’ll have 63 days to return it.
One unique thing about Colorado—and one reason it’s so great for an elopement—is that it allows self solemnization. That means you don’t legally need an officiant to marry you or witnesses to sign your marriage license (though some couples still opt for an officiant)..
You can conduct your ceremony and sign your marriage license yourselves – or even have your dog sign it! This is perfect if you want the most private, intimate elopement possible—just you and your partner (and a photographer to capture the moment, of course).
If you’re traveling from out-of-state for your Rocky Mountain National Park elopement and stressed about getting a marriage license, you can also choose to apply for a marriage license in your home state, before or after your elopement. That way you can just focus on your partner, your vows, and your adventures together during your elopement day!
Step 6:
Elope!
With all the planning out of the way (and me on your team to tackle any last-minute emergencies), all that’s left to do is have the adventure of your lifetime with your person!
Hey there, the name’s Sam! I cannot wait to chat with you.
This is gonna be epic.
