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 dogs are prohibited 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.
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
There are essentially two routes you can take from Denver to the main entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. The more scenic route is to immediately take Highway 36 all the way through Boulder and into Lyons and eventually Estes Park.
Alternatively, head North via I-25 from Denver and turn west onto Highway 66, which eventually runs into Highway 36 near Lyons.
They will take roughly the same amount of time, but you will reach the mountains much sooner by taking 36 the whole way. Always check park conditions
There is another option below under the Copeland Lake ceremony site.
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 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
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
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.
3M Curve’s ceremony site is a 3-4 minute walk from the parking area. A vast valley and extensive tree groves sit between this elevated site and distant mountaintops.
Check out this 3M Curve Elopement!
Maximum Guest Count: 15
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 3
Wheelchair Accessible: No
A flat trail circles the lake and the designated dock is where ceremonies can be held. The dock is about a 5-7 minute walk from the parking lot. During warmer months, there are flushable bathrooms available.
Check out this Sprague Lake Elopement!
Maximum Guest Count: 15 Summer / 30 Winter
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 3 Summer / 10 Winter
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
A hiking trail loops the lake. You can host your ceremony anywhere around the lake. The trail begins after a 3-5 minute walk from the parking lot. If you have guests, we don’t recommend this site when the lake isn’t frozen, as there isn’t much room to spread out. Bear Lake is closed for ceremonies from Friday before Memorial Day through Columbus Day, and ceremonies cannot be held on weekends.
Check out this Bear Lake Winter Elopement!
Maximum Guest Count: 20
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 5
Wheelchair Accessible: No
During the summer, the flowing water is lively and musical. The bridge and surrounding site is about a 5 minute uphill walk from the parking area.
Check out this RMNP Elopement!
Maximum Guest Count: 20
Number of Vehicles: 5
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes, though it would be strenuous going up the hill
Lily Lake has 3 ceremony sites with varying guest count capacities. This location is actually outside of the main park. A flat path loops the perimeter with access to each ceremony site.
Check out this Lily Lake Elopement!
Maximum Guest Count: 10 (Dock), 20 (Trail), & 30 (Picnic Area)
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
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
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
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
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
Grand Lake from within the park, but this road closes during the winter months. This site also has great seating accommodations. There is a short paved path from the parking lot to the amphitheater.
Maximum Guest Count: 10
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 5
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
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
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.
This is a pull off with a very small parking area (4 standard vehicles), and a short 25 yard walk to reach the path.
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 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 970-586-1222 for updates. There are flushable bathrooms available at the peak of Trail Ridge Road.
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!
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!
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.
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
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
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!
Bird & Jim
Coffee on the Rocks
The Whiskey Bar at Cascades Restaurant
Estes Park Bridal Company
Something Borrowed
Linda Marcela Beauty
Plume & Furrow
Honeycomb Florals
Sunrise Chefs
Forage Sisters
Sugar Pine Catering
French For Sugar
Cak the Bakery
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This is sooo in depth and informative! I’ve been very curious about RMNP and you literally covered ALL my questions.
So much great information and photography here. The Rocky Mountains look beautiful
Such great tips on eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park. For any couple wanting Colorado at its finest, I think Rocky Mountain National Park is hard to beat!
This is so informative and thorough! I’m saving it for myself for all things travel in Rocky Mountain National Park.
this is so dreamy and such a great resource for those looking to elope – this is in my top three places to go!
Rocky Mountain National Park looks SO beautiful!! What an awesome guide, thanks for putting this together!
Rocky Mountain National Park is such a beautiful destination and this guide is a great resource – so informative!!!
Wow, this is an incredibly well put together article that is chock full of information on how to elope at this gorgeous national park in colorado! I’m sure most couples could consider this blog post as a one stop shop for all of their Rocky Mountain elopement dreams.
Wow there are so many amazing places to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park! Love all the info you shared for couples wanting to plan an elopement!
You’ve gone above and beyond to help couples with their planning here. Rocky Mountain National Park is amazing and from the info you’ve included, I love the look of Storm Pass. Thanks for sharing!
I love that you included examples from year round! RMNP is such a great place for elopements and I think winter is the best time!
Love how in depth this Rocky Mountain National Park elopement guide is, so much helpful information!
What an epic guide!! This really has everything you need, plus gorgeous inspiration photos and an interactive map!! Incredible.
This is so thorough! What a great resource for those planning a Rocky Mountain National Park elopement! Love it.
wow, that’s what i call a thorough guide!! omg you included so much useful and important information, i’m sure it’ll help so much people getting married there. i totally would!
I wish we had this many national parks here in Italy, it looks insanely beautiful and just so peaceful, the perfect location for an intimite elopement! ???? ???? Stunning