As Rocky Mountain National Park wedding photographers we'll guide you through the best locations, how much it costs, RMNP wedding packages and more. Read below if you're thinking about having a micro wedding or eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park.
How much does it cost to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Question
01
It costs $300 for the permit to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park. This is significantly more affordable than traditional wedding venues in Colorado!
You'll also 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.
Due to parking limitations at ceremony locations, carpooling is recommended. They also have a free shuttle during the summer.
How do you elope in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Question
02
1) Decide what time of year you'd like to have your wedding and which ceremony location you prefer. Then, you can apply for your wedding permit one year in advance of the month of your date.
2) Once you secure a permit, you'll then want to book your wedding vendors such as your wedding photographer, videographer, florist, officiant and hair and makeup artist.
3) Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park and have the best day ever!
Question
How many guests can you have at your Rocky Mountain national park wedding?
03
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).
Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Permit
Question
04
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. 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 2023, you should apply April 1st 2022 as that is when the entire month of April 2023 becomes available). An approved permit will allow up to two hours at the ceremony location.
Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Venues
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)
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. Unfortunately it will be closed for 2023.
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
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
Other Options
Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Locations
- Alluvial Fan Bridge
- Copeland Lake (Wild Basin Area)
- Harbison Meadow Picnic Area
- Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater
Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding
Photo Locations
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.
Dream Lake & Emerald Lake
Departing from the Bear Lake trailhead, this trail offers multiple lakes, a waterfall and stunning mountain views all in one hike! It's one of the most popular hikes in the park, so be prepared for crowds at this location.
Ceremony not allowed, photos only!
hike: 3.2 miles, 700ft elevation gain
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!
Ceremony not allowed, photos only!
Hike: Varies
The Loch, Lake of glass & 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
Hey, we're Savannah & Greg!
Rocky Mountain NATIONAL PARK Wedding 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!
Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Packages
Photography Packages
Included Services
Photography & Videography
It might seem counterintuitive to look for a photographer before you have an exact location and date set, but trust us on this one. If you're looking for some help finding the perfect location, an elopement photographer who specializes in the area you're considering will be a huge help to you.
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.
Save for later or share with friends!