Rocky Mountain National Park
Wedding & Elopement
Ultimate Guide
COST, PERMITS, PHOTOS & TIPS
With its epic mountains, alpine lakes, aspen forests and endless adventures – Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best places to elope in Colorado. In this guide we’ll walk you through how to plan your Rocky Mountain National Park wedding including the best locations, how much it costs, photos, packages and more. Read below if you’re thinking about having a micro wedding or eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Table Of Contents
Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most iconic locations to get married in Colorado! From accessible ceremony locations such as 3M Curve and Sprague Lake, to popular hiking trails like Dream Lake and Emerald Lake and even scenic drives along Trail Ridge Road- RMNP is truly one of the best places to elope in Colorado. It’s only a 2 hour drive from Denver, making it easy to access for out of town couples and guests.
Estes Park is a charming town at the park’s entrance. It offers cozy lodging options and iconic hotels like the Stanley Hotel, as well as quaint shops and delicious restaurants. We also have some beautiful hidden gem locations in Estes Park, outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, that you can hold a ceremony with no permit needed. This way you can still get epic photos in RMNP even if you can’t obtain a wedding permit!
Elevation – 7,522′ | Distance from Denver – 2 hour drive | Activities – Hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic drives
Reasons to elope in RMNP
Reasons not to elope in RMNP
FAQ
01
How To Get Married In Rocky Mountain National Park
1) Choose a date and Ceremony location
First, decide what time of year you’d like to have your wedding and which ceremony location you prefer.
2) Apply for A Wedding permit
Then, you can apply for your wedding permit one year in advance of the month of your date.
3) Hire your vendors
Once you secure a permit, you’ll then want to book your wedding vendors such as your wedding photographer, videographer, florist and hair and makeup artist.
4) Plan the timeline and activities
Next, you’ll collaborate with your photographer to create an itinerary for the day that hits the best locations, best lighting and all the activities you want to include.
5) Get married!
Get married in Rocky Mountain National Park and have the best day ever!
Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Permit
It costs $300 for the permit to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park. You should apply for a permit as soon as possible for the best chance of success, as they are first-come-first-serve and they book up extremely fast in peak season. There are only 60 permits total approved for May-October, and only 40 November-April.
You can apply for a permit up to one year in advance. The permits for the entire month of the next year become available on the first of the month (for example, if your date is April 15th 2025, you should apply April 1st 2024 as that is when the entire month of April 2025 becomes available).
To apply for your RMNP wedding permit, you’ll download and fill out the special use application, then email it to [email protected]. If your application is approved, they will email you a permit to sign along with the invoice for the non-refundable $300 permit fee. Be sure to have the finalized permit on you during the wedding!
FAQ
02
FAQ
03
How Many Guests Can You Have At Your RMNP Wedding?
You can have up to 30 people total at your Rocky Mountain National Park wedding ceremony. However, some ceremony locations have lower limits on the number of people who can be present.
Please note this number is the total of all people- not just guests. This includes the couple, officiant, photographers/videographers and all guests (even kids).
Due to parking limitations at ceremony locations, carpooling is recommended. They also have a free shuttle during the summer.
Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Rules & Restrictions
Getting married in a National Park means that there are certain rules and regulations in place to ensure the park’s natural setting is protected. Here are the main rules you should be aware of.
- Drones: Drones are prohibited in all National Parks and wilderness areas.
- Pets: Dogs are not allowed on trails, they are only allowed on paved roads. The only ceremony location that allows dogs is the Moraine Park Amphitheater.
- Receptions: Receptions are not allowed in the park with the exception of Lily Lake, which requires an additional permit.
- Props: Props are not allowed. This includes use of chairs, decorations, runners, arches, tents, bands, etc.
- Leave No Trace: Flower petals, birdseed, rice, or similar material or items cannot be thrown or used.
- Music: If playing music, it must be quiet and not amplified.
FAQ
04
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When To Elope In Rocky Mountain National Park
Best Time Of Year To Get Married In rmnp
The best time to elope in RMNP depends on if you’re envisioning a spring elopement with lush greenery, a summer elopement with warmer temperatures, a fall elopement with orange aspens, or a snowy winter elopement. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons in Rocky Mountain National Park to help you decide when you’d like to have your wedding.
Spring RMNP Wedding
April, May & June
While spring technically starts in March in the US, March is the snowiest month of the year in Colorado. Colorado’s winter often lingers into April and May. Early spring in RMNP can still look and feel like winter! It’s not unusual for there to be snow on the ground well into the end of spring, and snow storms can occur.
The possibility of snow means you need to be prepared for sudden changes, and bring proper clothing and equipment like spikes for your shoes, depending on the trail. In late spring, the melting of the snow can cause muddy trails.
Some higher elevation areas like Trail Ridge Road are typically inaccessible until late May, so it’s essential to plan your locations carefully.
Summer RMNP Wedding
July & August to mid September
Summer is the best time of year for elopements in Rocky Mountain National Park! This is because the mountain passes such as Trail Ridge Road are open, the trails are clear and conditions are perfect for an elopement. PLUS the days are long!
While it can get hot mid-day, sunrise and sunset are the best time for photos and during these times its mild to chilly in the mountains still. Summer provides the most comfortable temperatures for RMNP elopements.
Fall RMNP Wedding
Late September To Mid-October
The leaves turn and the aspen groves turn into a vibrant yellowy orange! Fall can be hard to pin point, but generally late September to mid-October is a good bet in RMNP.
Fall is incredibly temperamental. Peak season for leaves changes every single year and can literally go from peak to past peak with one storm. We LOVE fall colors but advise our couples who are hoping to capture it to keep in mind it’s a guessing game if we’ll manage to hit peak fall. The weather this time of year can be very random with rain/snowstorms.
Another consideration is that unless booking well in advance, vendors typically book up very fast for fall dates. Locations can be busier and prices can be higher as well.
Winter RMNP Wedding
November to march
Dreaming of a winter elopement in Rocky Mountain National Park? November is typically the start of real snowfall in RMNP, with March being the snowiest month. The lakes freeze over during winter, and you can even walk across the popular Dream and Emerald Lake!
The days are shorter, but locations are not as busy. However, be prepared for cold temperatures and snowy conditions. Winter is no joke in RMNP. You need to be properly prepared with base layers, outer layers, body warmers, hand warmers, gloves, hats, spikes, etc!
When planning a winter elopement in RMNP it’s important to be prepared for the elements and have an indoor location you can use as a back-up incase of storms.
Choose A Weekday At Sunrise
We always recommend having your wedding on a weekday (Monday-Thursday) to minimize the amount of tourists that will be in the area. Sunrise or sunset is the best time of day to elope for the most privacy and best lighting!
Be Aware Of Important Dates
When selecting your wedding date, it’s also important to know of any events in the area that might impact your elopement. For example, in Crested Butte there is a wildflower festival in July that you’d want to avoid as there will be many more people in the area. In Leadville, they do the Leadville 100 in August which limits access to some locations during the race. Hire a local photographer that can help you avoid big events and have the best experience.
“Our wedding day went so smoothly and completely stress free and it’s all because of them. We would work with Savannah & Greg over and over again. 1000% recommend!“
Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Venues
rocky mountain ceremony locations
There are designated ceremony locations within Rocky Mountain National Park for your elopement or micro-wedding. You must hold your ceremony at one of these locations if you’d like to get married in the park, regardless of your guest count. Below is a list of all of the Rocky Mountain National Park wedding venues along with photos and details on the locations.
Sprague Lake
One of the most scenic ceremony locations within RMNP, Sprague Lake offers stunning views of the water and mountains for your wedding.
MAX. GUEST COUNT: 15 SUMMER, 30 WINTER
MAX. # OF VEHICLES: 3 SUMMER, 10 WINTER
DOGS ALLOWED: NO
MOBILITY IMPAIRMENT ACCESSIBLE: YES
PRIVACY ESTIMATE: LOW (VERY BUSY)
3M Curve
3M curve is one of the most scenic ceremony locations for your Rocky Mountain National Park wedding. It’s a rocky outcrop featuring a stunning view of the mountains.
MAX. GUEST COUNT: 15
MAX. # OF VEHICLES: 3
DOGS ALLOWED: NO
MOBILITY IMPAIRMENT ACCESSIBLE: NO
PRIVACY ESTIMATE: MODERATE
Bear Lake
Bear Lake is a very accessible lake ceremony location in RMNP. Not available on weekends or the Friday before Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
MAX. GUEST COUNT: 20
MAX. # OF VEHICLES: 5
DOGS ALLOWED: NO
MOBILITY IMPAIRMENT ACCESSIBLE: YES
PRIVACY ESTIMATE: LOW (VERY BUSY)
MORAINE PARK AMPHITHEATER
This is the only location that allows dogs for wedding ceremonies in RMNP! It’s also the only place you can have an arch.
MAX. GUEST COUNT: 30
MAX. # OF VEHICLES: 10
DOGS ALLOWED: YES, ON LEASH
MOBILITY IMPAIRMENT ACCESSIBLE: NO
PRIVACY ESTIMATE: HIGH (NOT BUSY)
Hidden Valley
Hidden Valley used to be a ski area, but now is a forested area of the park with one of the most private ceremony sites for Rocky Mountain National Park weddings and elopements.
MAX. GUEST COUNT: 30
MAX. # OF VEHICLES: 10
DOGS ALLOWED: NO
MOBILITY IMPAIRMENT ACCESSIBLE: NO
PRIVACY ESTIMATE: HIGH (NOT BUSY)
Lily Lake Dock
There are also ceremony sites at Lily Lake Trail (20 guests max.) and Picnic Site (30 guests max.), however these locations are not as scenic as the dock!
MAX. GUEST COUNT: 10
MAX. # OF VEHICLES: 10
DOGS ALLOWED: NO
MOBILITY IMPAIRMENT ACCESSIBLE: YES
PRIVACY ESTIMATE: LOW (VERY BUSY)
Upper Beaver Meadows
Upper Beaver Meadows is a gorgeous forested area with a mountain backdrop. It can not be accessed by vehicle in the winter months.
MAX. GUEST COUNT: 30
MAX. # OF VEHICLES: 10 (NO ACCESS MID OCT TO MID MAY)
DOGS ALLOWED: NO
MOBILITY IMPAIRMENT ACCESSIBLE: YES
PRIVACY ESTIMATE: MODERATE
Estes Park
If you are unable to get a ceremony permit for Rocky Mountain National Park on the date you want to elope, you can have your ceremony just outside of RMNP in Estes Park instead! Hire a local photographer to show you the best spots.
MAX. GUEST COUNT: 10
Dogs Allowed: No
Privacy Estimate: Moderate
Best Places For Wedding Photos In Rocky Mountain National Park
While you have to hold your ceremony within the designated locations provided by RMNP, you are able to take wedding photos before or after your ceremony in other areas of the park! Please keep in mind the locations listed below are for photos only and it is not allowed to have a ceremony, say vows or anything resembling a ceremony at these locations. Here are some of the best photo locations in RMNP:
Trail Ridge Road
Trail Ridge Road offers some of the most epic views in the entire park. There’s many trails and viewpoints along the road you can shoot at! We keep our favorite spots exclusively for our clients, to maintain the privacy of the locations. Make sure to stop by the visitors center for a coffee and cinnamon bun!
The Loch & Sky Pond
This is an epic hike for those who want a little extra adventure on their wedding day! This long and strenuous hike brings you past multiple lakes and has you climbing up a waterfall before ending up at Sky Pond. You could cut it short and end at The Loch, which is half the distance.
CEREMONY NOT ALLOWED, PHOTOS ONLY!
HIKE: 9.4 MILES, 1758FT ELEVATION GAIN
WE’LL SHOW YOU THE BEST LOCATIONS
You won’t find the best locations online. You need a photographer who has spent time hiking around and scouting these locations in person to help you plan your Colorado elopement.
We provide our couples with exclusive Colorado elopement location guide, custom timeline, vendor recommendations and even lodging ideas!
Rocky Mountain National Park Reception Venues
Interested in hosting an intimate dinner or reception after your wedding? Here are the best reception venues nearby Rocky Mountain National Park!
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How To Get Your Marriage License
Colorado is the easiest place to elope because you can self-solemnize, which means you don’t need an officiant or any witnesses to get married! However, you will still need to obtain a marriage license. You can do this regardless if you live in Colorado or are traveling in from out of state.
The closest place to get your marriage license for a Rocky Mountain National park wedding is the county clerk and recorder office in Estes Park located at 1601 Brodie Ave. However, you can get your marriage license from any county clerks office in Colorado, it doesn’t have to be in the county where you will be married. The easiest way to find an office close to your elopement location is to just Google “*city* county clerk and recorder”.
You will need to make an appointment, then both arrive in person with photo ID to obtain your license. Some counties require a copy of your birth certificate as well, so check into that before you leave home.
There is no waiting period, so you can get your marriage license just prior to your elopement. If you want to get your license early, you can up to 35 days before your ceremony.
Lastly, you will need to return the marriage license to the recorder’s office within 63 days of the ceremony. That’s it- you’re legally married!
Real RMNP Elopement Timeline
We specialize in full day and multi-day elopements in Colorado, because your elopement day deserves as much coverage (or more!) as a traditional wedding. Here’s a real timeline from a recent multi-day elopement we did photo and video for:
Day 1
11:00am – Photographers arrive at AirBnB | Shoot details (Outfits, rings, vow books, etc.)
12:00pm – Getting ready (hair and makeup finishing, get dressed, write vows, etc.)
1:00pm – Drive to RMNP | First look + photos
2:30pm – Drive to ceremony location
3:00pm – Ceremony (read handwritten vows and exchange rings)
3:30pm – Drive to Visitor Center | Get National Park passport stamp
4:00pm – Drive to Moraine Park | Explore area + newlywed photos
5:00pm – Celebrate! Pop a bottle, picnic, first dance
6:00pm – Drive to Sprague Lake | Lantern/night photos
7:00pm – End
Day 2
2:00pm – Meet at Bear Lake trailhead | Start Hike
3:00pm – Arrive at Emerald Lake
3:30pm – Sun dips at Emerald lake
4:00pm – Start hike back | Shoot at Dream Lake along way
6:00pm – End
RMNP Elopement Activities
Your elopement deserves to be an experience, not just “a few photos”. Here are some elopement ideas and activities to make your day memorable!
- Hiking: Explore scenic trails together like Dream Lake for epic views and more privacy than easily accessible locations.
- Scenic Drives: Embark on a scenic road trip along iconic routes like Trail Ridge Road!
- Wildlife Viewing: Rocky Mountain National Park is home to lots of wildlife! It’s not uncommon to see elk, foxes and even bears throughout the park.
- Picnic: Enjoy some snacks and drinks at a scenic overlook on your elopement day!
- Stargazing: Stay out after sunset to take night photos and stargaze!
How Much Does It Cost To Elope In Rocky Mountain National Park?
It costs $360 to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park. This covers the permit to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park is $300, the entrance fee is $30 and your marriage license from Estes Park costs $30. This is significantly more affordable than traditional wedding venues in Colorado!
You’ll have to pay for the normal entrance fee to the park, which is $30/vehicle unless you have an annual pass, military pass or other entrance pass.
At a minimum, you’ll likely want to purchase wedding attire, hire a photographer, videographer, florist, hair and makeup artist. You may also need to account for travel, transportation and lodging.
It’s important to note that elopements can be as simple or as extravagant as you desire, there is no set cost for this type of wedding! The great thing about eloping is that you can allot your funds towards an experience and things that you value rather than an expensive venue and material items.
The couples that hire us value their photos and experience more than anything, which is why they typically spend majority of their budget on their photography package.
Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Photos
BROWSE RMNP Elopement Photos
August 19th 2022
rocky mountain national park
Sabryna & Donovan
October 16th 2023
rocky mountain national park
Shelby & Jeff
November 19th 2023
rocky mountain national park
Sydney & Joe
Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Packages
Photography Packages
Looking for a Rocky Mountain National Park elopement package from photographers who are familiar with the park and can guarantee you stunning photos? We’ve photographed countless RMNP elopements and would love to shoot yours next!
Photography & Videography
Professional photography and optional videography services from an experienced husband/wife team who’ve photographed over 150 weddings together. Posing guidance and direction to make you feel and look great in front of the camera, no experience necessary.
Planning Guide
A 50+ page digital planning guide to help you through the whole elopement planning process. Including tips on booking travel and lodging, buying your attire, activity ideas, packing checklists, including family and more.
Custom Location Guide
A list of all the most beautiful locations in the area you choose based on scenery, accessibility, permits and logistics. We do the work so you don’t have to!
Timeline Creation
We’ll craft a timeline that fits all the locations, activities, and moments you have planned for your day as well as consider ideal lighting and making sure your whole experience is relaxed and stress free.
Vendor Recommendations
Looking for a florist, hair and makeup artist, or other vendors? We’ve got you covered with local recommendations.
Hey, we’re Savannah & Greg!
Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Photographers
We’re a husband and wife team specializing in elopement photography and videography in Colorado. We believe eloping is the best way to get married, so much so that we did it ourselves! We know it can feel overwhelming not knowing where to start, which is why we help couples set a date, pick a location, make a timeline, etc!
Contact
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planning Resources
Planning guide
The Best Places To Elope In Colorado
Planning guide
Colorado Elopement Planning Guide
Planning guide
Small Wedding Venues in Colorado
