Sprague Lake Elopement Guide
Sprague Lake Elopement
If you’re dreaming of exchanging vows near a mountain lake in the Rocky Mountains, then a Sprague Lake elopement might be a perfect fit! Sprague Lake is one of thirteen ceremony locations within Rocky Mountain National Park and features a small wooden dock overlooking the lake with the Rocky Mountains rising above. This guide will explore general information, how to obtain permits, what the rules & regulations are, and the best times of year to get married!


What Makes Sprague Lake so Great
No matter the season, Sprague Lake always delivers a gorgeous experience with serene waters and inspiring mountain peaks! The designated ceremony site itself is a quarter mile from the parking area to the dock, which takes about 5-7 minutes. The trail around the lake is flat and easy to walk along its groomed gravel surface. The wooden dock is the actual space you are reserving, which even serves as a natural aisle for you and your partner. In warmer months, you will see all kinds of wildlife including a variety of birds, deer, ducks, fish, elk, and moose. The Sprague Lake parking area is approximately 20 minutes driving from Estes Park. Just beyond the parking lot is an established picnic area where you can enjoy a picnic, cake, champagne, and even sign your marriage license. There are also flushing toilets available on site during summer, and vault toilets are open during winter.
How to Obtain Permits for your Sprague Lake Wedding
You must obtain a permit to have a vow ceremony in Rocky Mountain National Park by filling out a Special Use application. This includes Sprague Lake weddings, elopements, and vow renewals. Permits cost $300 and are non-refundable. The space can be reserved for up to 2 hours. Keep in mind that reserving a ceremony site in RMNP does not mean you have exclusive access to the area. Other visitors are still allowed to freely explore and you cannot block their paths or hinder them from doing so. Click here to read more about the permit process and apply for a Sprague Lake ceremony permit.
Sprague Lake Ceremony Rules + Regulations
Part of having a vow ceremony within Rocky Mountain National Park includes agreeing to follow all the rules and regulations of the park, which can be found here. You may not have any decorations, scatter confetti/rice/lavender, and no amplified sound. Following the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace is also crucial. For any Sprague Lake elopement, your total group size may consist of up to 15 total people in the summer and 30 in the winter. These numbers include yourselves, any guests, and any vendors. Furthermore, you may have up to 3 vehicles in the summer and 10 during the winter.
Best Times of Year to get Married at Sprague Lake
When considering the best times to get married at Sprague Lake, consider what aesthetic and season you are most drawn to. Other factors that are dependent upon the time of year is how busy the park gets and how warm or cold it is. Summer is the most popular time for obvious reasons – it’s warmer and more lush. In autumn, you will find stunning colorful foliage when the aspen trees turn yellow, orange, and red. If you like snow, a Winter or Spring elopement are the best options. We recommend snowshoes during the height of Winter, as the area receives lots of snowfall. We also recommend giving yourself at least a few days in Estes Park just in case the temperatures happen to be sub-zero while you’re there. At such a high elevation, the icy lake and snowy terrain of Sprague Lake will not melt until closer to May.
Spring

Summer
Fall
Winter
Pro-tip: the park’s peak season is summer and early fall, which makes these times busier with more visitors.
Moreover, for ideal lighting, we recommend a ceremony time that is about 3 hours before sunset. In general, it is best to avoid harsh shadows or the overpowering midday sun that can cause you to involuntarily squint. If you’re up for an early wakeup call, sunrise is a peaceful time to exchange vows with fewer visitors and a warm alpine glow cast upon the mountains.
Sprague Lake Elopement Photos
When considering your Sprague Lake elopement photos, keep in mind that the trail loops around the lake behind the dock. If other visitors are walking along the trail, they will be seen in the background of your photos. For our clients, we always photoshop any other visitors to be removed so that the final gallery is as pristine as possible.
If you want an awesome experience that creates gorgeous Sprague Lake elopement photos, we have got you covered! As experienced Colorado elopement photographers, we have helped over 150 couples to elope, many of whom tied the knot at Sprague Lake or in Rocky Mountain National Park. We have visited nearly everywhere within the park and can help you organize the best experience to get married in one of the most gorgeous places on Earth!
Ready To Create Your Dream Elopement?
Let’s do it! As Colorado elopement photographers with nearly a decade of experience, we are experts in bringing your vision to life. With step-by-step planning, we make it easy to have the adventure of a lifetime!