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. And did I mention the stunning 360° views!
I love photographing Rocky Mountain National Park elopements, but there are definitely some things to keep in mind while planning, including locations, weather, and permitting. Luckily for you, I know all the tips, tricks, and rules, and I’ve collected them below in my Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Guide to make planning a breeze!
Don’t forget to reach out if you have any questions—I’d love to help you plan an elopement that’s picture-perfect for you and your partner.
How to Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park
Views are typically priority number one for Rocky Mountain National Park elopements, so a good place to start is by picking the perfect backdrop for your ceremony!
The most important consideration when planning a RMNP elopement is that you can only elope at one of the designated sites. The good news is, the National Park Service has many 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 go 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.
Ceremony Sites in Rocky Mountain National Park
3M Curve
Location: 3.5 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
Max. Ceremony Size: 15 people
Max. Number of Vehicles: 3 vehicles
Special Site Restrictions: None
The ceremony site at 3M Curve is on a rock outcropping, accessible by a dirt path, that overlooks the meadow below with gorgeous, unobstructed mountain views. If you are looking for a wide expanse of mountains for your Rocky Mountain National Park elopement, this is the spot for you.
Alluvial Fan Bridge
Location: 7 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Old Fall River Road
Max. Ceremony Size: 20 people
Max. Number of Vehicles: 5 vehicles
Special Site Restrictions: None
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 located 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.
Bear Lake Nature Trail
Location: 11 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Bear Lake Road
Max. Ceremony Size: 20 people
Max. Number of Vehicles: 5 vehicles
Special Site Restrictions: No weddings permitted from the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through the 2nd Tuesday of October; no weddings on weekends year-round
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 are not permitted at Bear Lake 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!
Copeland Lake
Location: 13 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Highway 7 in Wild Basin
Max. Ceremony Size: 30 people
Max. Number of Vehicles: 10 vehicles
Special Site Restrictions: None
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. This site is also one of the few in Rocky Mountain National Park that allows a ceremony with up to 30 total guests.
Harbison Meadow Picnic Area
Location: West side of Rocky Mountain National Park
Max. Ceremony Size: 30 people
Max. Number of Vehicles: 10 vehicles
Special Site Restrictions: Event may not occupy picnic sites for ceremonies
Harbison Meadow is a gorgeous, wide-open meadow, easily accessible from the parking area. 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 (and up to 30 total guests).
Hidden Valley
Location: 6 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
Max. Ceremony Size: 30 people
Max. Number of Vehicles: 10 vehicles
Special Site Restrictions: Event may not occupy picnic sites for ceremonies
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, and there are restrooms at the parking area, making Hidden Valley a great choice for a small, intimate wedding with family.
Lily Lake
Location: 6.4 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Highway 7
Max. Ceremony Size: 10 people (dock), 20 (trail), or 30 (southside picnic area)
Max. Number of Vehicles: 10 vehicles*
Special Site Restrictions: *Vehicle limit of 10 applies from the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through the 2nd Tuesday of October
Lily Lake has three ceremony sites around the lake, all of which are a short, wheel-chair 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. Keep in mind that each location has its own maximum guest restriction, so if you’re in love with Lily Lake, you can choose your ceremony space based on the size of your wedding or elopement and get these stunning views in your bridal portraits! One of my favorite things about Lily Lake is it is the only Rocky Mountain National Park elopement ceremony location where you & your guests don’t have to go through an entrance station. This makes it very easy for guests to navigate to, and no one has to wait in a line to enter!
Check out this stunning elopement on the Lily Lake dock!
Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater
Location: 2.7 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Bear Lake Road
Max. Ceremony Size: 30 people
Max. Number of Vehicles: 10 vehicles*
Special Site Restrictions: *Ceremony size and vehicle limit of 10 applies from the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through the 2nd Tuesday of October
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 also has wooden benches for guests, and is one of only two ceremony sites in the park that allow dogs (more below on including dogs in your RMNP elopement). The amphitheater offers sweeping views of Moraine Park and Longs Peak, as well as a rustic, rocky backdrop.
Sprague Lake
Location: 7 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Bear Lake Road
Max. Ceremony Size: 15 people in summer, 30 people in winter
Max. Number of Vehicles: 3 vehicles in summer, 10 vehicles in winter*
Special Site Restrictions: *Ceremony size and vehicle limit applies from the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through the 2nd Tuesday of October; event cannot occupy picnic sites
The ceremony space at Sprague Lake is located on a rustic dock on 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.
Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater
Location: West side of Rocky Mountain National Park
Max. Ceremony Size: 20 people
Max. Number of Vehicles: 5 vehicles
Special Site Restrictions: Limited parking
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. Despite that, I think this is one of the best options for a Rocky Mountain National Park elopement.
Upper Beaver Meadows
Location: 1.5 miles from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
Max. Ceremony Size: 30 people
Max. Number of Vehicles: 10 vehicles
Special Site Restrictions: Road closures typically from mid-Oct to mid-May, no vehicles allowed when road closed
Upper Beaver Meadows is an ideal summer elopement spot, with views of the Continental Divide and easy access from Estes Park. 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!
For more information about all the ceremony sites in Rocky Mountain National Park, visit the National Park Service’s website.
When Should I Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park?
The park is open year round, so you can elope any day you wish. But, each season brings different ~vibes~ and things to consider.
Winter
Picturing a snowy elopement? You are in luck- Rocky starts getting snow around Mid-October and snow 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 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. https://www.estesparkmountainshop.com/winter-rentals
Spring
“Spring” in Rocky 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 will reopen (late May/early June)!
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 with it evening thunderstorms. 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 mountain top.
Fall
Want to explore the park during peak Fall colors? You’ll want to visit in late September/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 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.
The diverse nature in Rocky Mountain National 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.
Read my blog about the best time to elope in Colorado!
Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Permits
Couples planning an elopement or wedding in Rocky Mountain National Park are required 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 romo_fees_permits@nps.gov.
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.
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.
For additional rules about Rocky Mountain National Park elopements, see the section below!
Rules for Rocky Mountain National Park Elopements
In addition to the rules about permits and locations, there are some other guidelines you must follow, laid out by the National Park Service. I’ll go over them here so you know exactly what to expect!
- Weddings can only take place in designated site locations, regardless of the size of the wedding group. Any ceremony taking place outside of these designated sites is considered a violation and is subject to citation of the wedding party, photographer, and/or officiant.
- All ceremony sites are in areas that are open to the public. Even if you have a wedding permit for your chosen ceremony site, it is still a public area, and you can’t kick out other visitors.
- Most ceremony sites are NOT dog-friendly. Dogs are only allowed to be part of your ceremony at Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater and Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater, and you’ll need to include this on your application. If you want to elope with your dog, I’d recommend eloping outside of the park (and I’m happy to suggest similar locations that are pet friendly).
- You cannot throw or scatter rice, flower petals, birdseed, or other materials. You can have florals including bouquets and boutonnieres, but everything must be packed out. Arches (including floral arches) are only allowed at Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater.
- You cannot play amplified music, including live music. Music must be under 60 decibels.
- You must pay an entry fee for every car, and parking at ceremony locations isn’t guaranteed. Vehicle entry is not included in the cost of the wedding permit. Several sites have limited parking that fills up quickly with other park visitors.
- You must follow all Leave No Trace guidelines. You can find more information about Leave No Trace in my blog about hiking in Estes Park and on the Leave No Trace website.
Adventuring in Rocky Mountain National Park
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. We will plan the perfect Rocky Mountain National Park elopement for you and your partner!
Need some ideas?
- Share your vows at Bear Lake and 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. (Sound familiar?)
- Celebrate with the ultimate camping elopement with your best friends and closest family at Timber Creek Campground. Ceremony at the Amphitheater, and then spend a few days to explore 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.
Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its abundant hiking trails. You can check out my absolute favorite trails in the park in this blog post! And if you’re planning a winter elopement, many of the trails are also available for snowshoeing (and I have some y’all can borrow).
Colorado Marriage Licenses
Another key thing you’ll need to get legally married in Rocky Mountain National Park is a marriage license!
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 on the county’s website, 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! 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).
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 many 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 campgrounds near the entrances in Estes Park and Grand Lake.
Lodging in Estes Park
Estes Park has so many hotels, resorts, and house rental options.
- AirBnB – There are many house and condo rentals for all groups available in Estes Park on AirBnB. I’m happy to help 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.
- So Many 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 5 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!
Lodging in Grand Lake
There are less housing options in Grand Lake, when compared to Estes.
- AirBnB – There are many house and condo rentals for all groups available in Grand Lake on AirBnB. I’m happy to help choose the perfect option!
- Gateway Inn – This hotel has a variety of rooms and suites to choose from, many with beautiful views of the lake.
- Even More Options – Grand Lake Chamber allows you to filter by type of lodging to help find the right option for you.
Ready to Plan Your Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement?
If you’re ready to start planning the details of your own Rocky Mountain National Park elopement, reach out to me!
No matter where you are in the planning process, whether you have your heart set on a location or time of year or aren’t sure yet, I’ll be your RMNP elopement expert every step of the way.
Fill out my contact form below, and let’s start talking about your perfect day!
