How to Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park

This is a complete, succinct guide on how to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are interested in getting married here, we recommend beginning the process at least one year out. Underlined sections contain links to more relevant information.

To elope in Rocky Mountain National Park, you must obtain a Special Use Permit, which costs $300. There are 13 designated ceremony sites intended for small group sizes of up to 10 guests (some allow up to 30). No decorations whatsoever, chairs, amplified music, or any type of extensive structured set ups are allowed. Moreover, dogs are prohibited on all Rocky Mountain National trails, tundra, and meadows. No celebratory rice, seeds, flowers, or any other materials may be thrown. Be sure to read over all of the park’s rules and regulations if you have any questions.

We have photographed nearly 50 elopements in the area to create this guide highlighting the area’s best locations with our expert insights and details. Keep in mind, the town of Estes Park closes down much earlier than major cities. Depending on the time of year, restaurants can close as early as 8:30PM (or even earlier) so plan accordingly.

Permits

First and foremost, if you book with us, we will pay for your permit and obtain this for you.

Permitted reservations are in 2 hour blocks of time. You can enter the park 1 hour before your reservation and stay afterward as long as you like. In addition to creating order and keeping the park healthy, these permits allow everyone to hold their own space. Ceremonies cannot block the path of hikers and park visitors. Some sites adjoin to more populated public areas and may not provide as much privacy as others.

The popularity of adventurous elopement styled weddings has increased tremendously. Permits initially become available one year out, which is why it is wise to begin planning 12 months in advance. Only 60 elopements are allowed per month from May – October, and just 40 elopements are allowed from November – April. No more than two elopements per day will be booked at any designated wedding location, and no more than 6 total ceremonies will be scheduled per day, year-round. These permits are first come, first served, and they go quickly. Click here to obtain a Special Use Permit.

Currently, for the 2024 season ceremony permits for Rocky Mountain National Park are fully booked for May, June, July, August, September, + October.

Driving to Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver

Tips for Navigating Rocky Mountain National Park

• Pay to Enter – Your Special Use Permit does not include admission to the park. A day pass is $25 per vehicle. An annual National Parks Pass is $80 and includes unlimited visits to all National Parks.
• Give Yourself Time – RMNP is the second most populated National Park with nearly 4 and a half million annual visitors. They have implemented a timed entry system at various parts of the year that will continue to evolve. Despite this system, the main entrance to the park can get backed up at any given time. Ensure that you won’t feel rushed by arriving early.
• Understand Timed Entry – From May 26 – October 22, 2023, timed entry reservations are required. However, your Special Use Permit will allow you entrance into the park without an additional timed entry reservation. Any of your guests who are not in your vehicle will need to make reservations to enter the park. Reservations cannot be made at the park entrance.
• Use the Fall River Entrance on Weekends – This entrance is typically less busy than the main Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Here is more information on all 4 entrances.
• Drive Carefully & Watch for Wildlife – Herds of elk and other wildlife can temporarily settle on the roads. Drive safely and look out for sweet creatures of the land.
• Prepare for Parking at Bear Lake – Bear Lake’s parking lot fills up and will periodically close. The park offers a shuttle to Bear Lake, which is not ideal if you’re in wedding attire.

Tips for Eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park

• Choose a weekday or sunrise – The park can be extremely busy on any given day, especially on weekends and during warmer months. Waking up early is well worth it!
• Attention – Another reason to avoid crowds is that the majority of people you pass will say something along the lines of “Congratulations!” When the park is at full capacity, this can become distracting and bothersome. We’ve even had several instances where other people ask to take photographs of (and even with) our couple. If you don’t like being the center of attention, keep this in mind.
• Bathroom Locations – Beaver Meadows Visitor Center has bathrooms that are spacious and contain flushable toilets. Bear Lake’s bathrooms are like smaller porta-potties and don’t smell that great. The only other bathrooms in the park with reasonable space and flushing toilets are located in the Sprague Lake parking lot and the Alpine Visitors Center at the top of Trail Ridge road. These close during Winter months. The flushing facilities are much more comfortable to use in wedding attire than the porta-potties. We provide a changing tent if you want to change anywhere.
• Officiant – You have the right to self-solemnize (exchange vows without the oversight or signature of an officiant) in Rocky Mountain National Park, but if you prefer an officiant, you will need to hire a third party to do so. If you book with us, Kevin is happy to officiate for you at no extra cost. This is just one of many advantages to having two photographers.
• Practice Leave No Trace – To protect the land, wildlife, you, and your guests, learn and apply The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace.

Ceremony Sites of Rocky Mountain National Park

Furthermore, the following is a list of all the ceremony sites associated with Rocky Mountain National Park. You can certainly visit other places for portraits, but in regards to hosting your actual vow ceremony, it must take place at one of these sites. We recommend visiting your preferred ceremony site ahead of time if possible.

Moraine Park Visitor Center Amphitheater

We recommend this site if you have more than 10-15 guests due to its seating accommodations.

• Maximum Guest Count: 30
• Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10
• Wheelchair Accessible: No

Copeland Lake

Parking is essentially right next to the lake. This sight offers a sandy shoreline, lake, and mountains in the distance. From Highway 36 just passed the town of Boulder, you can take Lee Hill Drive to the west and drive to Copeland Lake that way through Jamestown and Allenspark. This is not the most direct path to the main entrance of the park.

• Maximum Guest Count: 30
• Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10
• Wheelchair Accessible: No

Hidden Valley

This sight includes a valley with a flat path to access a river and pine trees with mountain views. Parking is very close to the ceremony site.

• Maximum Guest Count: 30
• Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10
• Wheelchair Accessible: Yes

Upper Beaver Meadows

A grassy meadow with Long’s Peak in the distance. Parking is very close to the ceremony site, and there are no vehicles allowed from mid-May through mid-October.

• Maximum Guest Count: 30
• Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10
• Wheelchair Accessible: No

Harbison Meadow Picnic Area (Access via Grand Lake)

There is plenty of room to spread out, and as the name indicates, picnic tables are available! Parking is next to the ceremony site.

• Maximum Guest Count: 30
• Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10
• Wheelchair Accessible: No

Map Of Ceremony Sites In Rocky Mountain National Park

Other Scenic Places to Visit

Moraine Park Trail

This is an easily accessible stop from Bear Lake Road with it’s own modest space for parking. Expect closures from September through October due to the mating season for elks. This is to prevent any disturbances to the wildlife. Double check with the park to learn if and when this area will be closed.

Storm Pass

This is a pull off with a very small parking area (4 standard vehicles), and a short 25 yard walk to reach the path.

Nymph, Dream, & Emerald Lakes

These 3 lakes can be accessed from the Bear Lake trail. Each lake is approximately one half mile apart, with Emerald Lake being about 1.7 miles from Bear Lake. Nymph Lake is known for its pond lilies, and both Bear & Emerald Lakes have spectacular mountain views.

Trail Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road is open from around late May through early October. This road takes you up above 12,000 feet in elevation and features miles-long views of the Rocky Mountains and gorgeous rock formations. Learn more about the park road system here, and call 970-586-1222 for updates. There are flushable bathrooms available at the peak of Trail Ridge Road.

Lake Estes

Lake Estes is located approximately 4.5 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park. During the warm season, Lake Estes Marina offers kayak, paddle board, and even pontoon boat rentals. There are benches and picnic tables to have a nice meal or snack with guests!

Places to Stay in Estes Park

Della Terra

This romantic Rocky Mountain treat is located just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. With lovely water features and classy decor, you will love this charming space!

Stanley Hotel

The historic Stanley Hotel is where Stephen King found inspiration to write “The Shining” in 1974. It was adapted into Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film of the same, though the movie was not filmed here. There are ghost tours, an outdoor hedge maze, and a cozy hotel bar, there is lots to experience at the historic landmark.

Estes Park Campground at Mary’s Lake

You can also travel by or rent an RV and stay at one of the RV parks in the area. Estes Park campground at Mary’s Lake is roughly 4 miles from the park’s main entrance, and features a vast are to frolic and play including boat and bike rentals, 9 and 18 hole golf, disc golf, and much more. There is a recreation area with free weights, aerobic machines, group classes, pools, an indoor track, and babysitting services. You can fly fish, rock climb, and ride horses. If you can never get enough adventure, we strongly recommend exploring this option!

Another great campground is Spruce Lake RV Resort. Located a couple miles from the main park entrance, this gem features its own mini golf course, various yard games, and a heated pool and hot tub, among other amenities.

Furthermore, you can even camp within the actual park. Reservations can be made 6 months out at the earliest, and they go quickly. Here is a link to reservation information.

An Airbnb

There are many quaint places to stay in and around Estes Park. Many have incredible views and some even back up to the rivers that trace the area!

Restaurants

Bird & Jim – The food is fantastic, service is amazing, and the ambiance is unique and relaxing. You will love your experience here!

Coffee on the Rocks – The cutest coffee shop in town with great coffee and food above all. They are open during breakfast and lunch hours. Come for the flavors, and stay for the ducks. Bags of duck food are available to purchase, and you can sit near the water and feed your fellow feathered friends!

The Whiskey Bar at Cascades Restaurant – Located inside of the Stanley Hotel, this bar has what you want. Not only do spirits live in the hotel, they thrive behind the bar. With an extensive whiskey selection and other spirits, you will love their cocktails and bites.

Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Vendors

Hair & Makeup

Estes Park Bridal Company

Something Borrowed

Linda Marcela Beauty

Florals

Plume & Furrow

Honeycomb Florals

Catering & Private Chefs

Sunrise Chefs

Forage Sisters

Sugar Pine Catering

Desserts & Cakes

French For Sugar

Cak the Bakery

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