Bride and groom pose on rocks near a flowing stream during their Alluvial Fan Wedding, set in a mountainous, forested landscape under a partly cloudy sky.

Alluvial Fan Wedding + Elopement Guide

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Alluvial Fan Wedding + Elopement Guide

An alluvial fan is a fan-like landform created when a river deposits sediment onto a flat plain after exiting a confined channel, such as a dam or lake. Now envision exchanging your vows as rushing glacial waters pour along the mountainside covered with boulders, aspens, and pine trees. This romantic scene is what awaits during your Alluvial Fan wedding. This Rocky Mountain National Park ceremony site is truly one of a kind, as it is the only site featuring a waterfall called Horseshoe Falls. This hidden gem is also a quieter and less frequented ceremony site compared to others in the park. In this guide, learn more about Alluvial Fan wedding permits, RMNP ceremony rules, Alluvial Fan accessibility, elopement packages, & more!

A couple in wedding attire sits on rocks by a flowing river, surrounded by trees and rocky terrain, under a blue sky—a perfect Alluvial Fan Wedding setting.
Two people walk across a wooden bridge toward a mountain landscape under a bright sun. An alluvial fan elopement sets the scene, with trees and rocks surrounding the path, creating a picturesque journey into nature's embrace.
Bride and groom holding hands on a wooden bridge over a rocky stream, celebrating their Alluvial Fan Wedding amidst a forest and mountains under a cloudy sky.
Two people stand close together on rocks near a flowing creek during their Alluvial Fan Elopement. The background features large boulders and trees with yellow-orange leaves under a clear sky, creating a picturesque setting for their special day.
A bride and groom embrace on rocks by a flowing river, with the majestic backdrop of a forested mountain landscape, capturing the essence of an Alluvial Fan Wedding.
A couple holds hands on a wooden bridge over a rocky, flowing river with a dense forest and snow-capped mountains in the background, creating the perfect scene for an intimate Alluvial Fan Elopement.

Alluvial Fan Wedding Ceremony Permits

To get married in Rocky Mountain National Park, you must obtain a permit for your Alluvial Fan wedding or elopement. Alluvial Fan permits cost $300 and can be reserved by filling out a Special Use Permit online, which open 1 year in advance.

The Alluvial Fan permit allows for 20 people and a total of 5 vehicles at the site’s parking area. This permit grants you a 2-hour time slot for your ceremony and photos. For more permit information and to complete the application, visit the official Rocky Mountain National Park site.

⛰️ The Complete Rocky Mountain National Park Guide ⛰️
A couple in wedding attire sits by a flowing rocky stream at their Alluvial Fan elopement, surrounded by stones and greenery.

20

people

5

vehicles

$300

permit fee

Alluvial Fan Wedding + Elopement Rules

An Alluvial Fan wedding unfolds with an outdoor wedding ceremony on rocky terrain, surrounded by majestic mountains and trees. The bride and groom face each other, a few guests nearby under a clear blue sky, creating an intimate moment etched in nature's grandeur.

For a ceremony at Alluvial Fan, you must follow all of the RMNP ceremony rules. These rules align with the Leave No Trace guidelines such as:

  • no decorations, arches, or chairs
  • no amplified sound
  • no dogs
  • no scattering of confetti/seeds/rice/lavender/bubbles etc.

Pro Tip: A permit does not grant you exclusive access to the area. Other park visitors are still allowed to explore the area.

How to get to Alluvial Fan

To get to Alluvial Fan, you can enter Rocky Mountain National Park through the Fall River entrance on the East side of the park. Travel West for 2 miles on Hwy 34 before taking a right and heading North onto Endovalley Road. The East Alluvial parking is 0.75 miles from there, and the West Alluvial parking is 1 mile.

Two people walking hand in hand on a sunlit path surrounded by tall trees with yellow leaves, as if nature itself was celebrating their Alluvial Fan elopement.

Alluvial Fan Ceremony Site Accessibility

There are two ways to access the Alluvial Fan ceremony site. One is to park at the East parking lot and travel along the gravel trail 0.4 miles to Horseshoe Falls. The more scenic and shorter way is to park at the West parking lot and journey up a paved path over Roaring River. Walking this path to Alluvial Fan & Horseshoe Falls includes crossing a boulder field and beautiful wooden bridge. This paved path resembles more of a traditional aisle and is a good option for those who have limited mobility.

A couple in formal attire strolls across an alluvial fan landscape, surrounded by majestic mountains and trees under a bright sky with lens flare.
Bride and groom hold hands on a wooden bridge at their Alluvial Fan Wedding, surrounded by mountains and pine trees. The bride wears a white gown, and the groom is in a dark suit with a boutonniere.
Two people stand on a wooden bridge overlooking a rocky stream, with an alluvial fan setting creating the perfect backdrop for their wedding amidst a lush forest and majestic mountain under a clear blue sky.

When to get Married at Alluvial Fan

There is a beautiful seasonality to waterfalls that makes considering when you have your Alluvial Fan elopement important. If you are searching for powerful, rushing waters, the best time is during the snowmelt season in late spring and early summer. In the winter, the waterfall freezes making for an equally unique experience. One of the things that makes the Alluvial Fan area so special is the abundance of aspen trees. So if you’re looking for wonderful fall colors, autumn is a prime time to go.

Bride and groom pose on rocks near a flowing stream at Alluvial Fan, set in a mountainous, forested landscape under a partly cloudy sky.
A couple stands by a rocky waterfall surrounded by autumn foliage and large boulders, under a clear sky, celebrating their Alluvial Fan Elopement.

Pro-tip: An Alluvial Fan ceremony pairs perfectly with exploring Trail Ridge Road before or after.

⛰️ Check Out this Trail Ridge Road Elopement⛰️

Alluvial Fan Wedding Photos

Preserve your Alluvial Fan wedding photos and memories with our skill & expertise. We craft and capture unforgettable Rocky Mountain National Park elopement experiences that are filled with fun & adventure! Get in touch, and we will help you create an awesome experience!

 💕 Reach Out + Tell us about Your Elopement  💕
Two people in colorful suits stand on a wooden bridge at the Alluvial Fan, surrounded by trees and mountains, sharing an intimate moment.
A couple shares a kiss on a wooden bridge with mountain peaks framing their Alluvial Fan wedding under a clear sky.
A bride and groom hold hands, gazing into each other's eyes on a rocky path at their Alluvial Fan wedding, surrounded by majestic mountains and trees under the radiant sun.
Two people in colorful clothes walk together across a shallow rocky stream, a stunning backdrop for their Alluvial Fan elopement, with trees and a mountain framing the scene under a clear blue sky.
Sunburst behind trees on a rocky hiking trail, with a person walking amidst autumn foliage and the serene backdrop of an Alluvial Fan Elopement under a bright sky.
A bride and groom stand back-to-back, holding hands by a tree in a scenic mountain landscape. It's the perfect setting for their Alluvial Fan Wedding, with a river flowing gently through the forest backdrop.
The bride and groom playfully run down a tree-lined road, surrounded by the enchanting landscape of their Alluvial Fan Wedding. She is in a white dress, and he dons a dark suit, set against the backdrop of lush green trees embracing them under the daylight.
Two people stand together on a sunny path surrounded by bright yellow autumn leaves, smiling and leaning towards each other, as if celebrating an Alluvial Fan Elopement.
A couple in wedding attire stands smiling by a rocky stream, capturing the magic of an Alluvial Fan Wedding against a wooded backdrop and cloudy sky.
Two people embrace on the rocky terrain of an Alluvial Fan wedding, surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage and the gentle cascade of a waterfall in the background.
A person in a white dress stands on rocks by a flowing river, surrounded by tall trees and mountains, with the sun shining brightly in a clear blue sky. It's the perfect setting for an intimate Alluvial Fan Elopement.
A couple stands under a tall, bare tree in a vast outdoor landscape, capturing the essence of an Alluvial Fan Elopement. The background features rolling hills and a cloudy sky in this timeless black-and-white image.
A couple stands together on a bridge over a rocky stream, celebrating their Alluvial Fan Wedding amid the backdrop of a dense green forest and snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky.
A bride and groom stand by a tranquil river in a mountainous landscape, surrounded by lush greenery and a blue sky with clouds. Celebrating their Alluvial Fan wedding, the bride wears a white gown while the groom looks dapper in his black suit.
Two people walking hand in hand on a sunny day through an alluvial fan elopement setting, surrounded by towering mountains, vibrant autumn trees, and a gentle stream.
A couple in wedding attire smiles amid the rocky terrain of an Alluvial Fan Elopement, with a stunning waterfall cascading in the background.
A couple in wedding attire stands on large rocks by a flowing river, surrounded by pine trees and mountains under a sunny sky, capturing the essence of an Alluvial Fan Elopement.
A bride and groom share a kiss on rocky terrain at an Alluvial Fan Wedding, with a waterfall cascading in the background. The bride wears a white dress; the groom is in a gray suit, creating an unforgettable scene amidst nature's majesty.

RMNP Elopement Packages

Ready to enjoy your own Alluvial Fan elopement? We’ve got you covered! With nearly a decade of experience, our elopement packages offer exceptional photography as well as planning support throughout. Included in all of our RMNP elopement packages is easy step-by-step planning, obtaining permits on your behalf, vendor suggestions, timeline creation, & more. Let’s turn your dream’s into reality!

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