A couple takes wedding elopement pictures at Lily Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park

Why Get Married in Rocky Mountain National Park

Getting hitched in Rocky Mountain National Park? Oh, heck yeah! Here's why it's the ultimate dream come true:

Accessible Adventure: Proximity to Denver makes RMNP a breeze to reach, whether you're flying in from afar or hitting the road for a scenic drive. Plus, it's one of the most accessible places to soak in Colorado's stunning scenery—no gnarly 4x4 roads or epic hikes required.
Scenic Beauty: Picture-perfect landscapes for days! We're talking towering peaks, serene lakes, and lush forests that'll have you feeling like you're living in a fairytale.
Intimate and Romantic: Say hello to intimate ceremonies in nature's embrace. Whether you're exchanging vows atop a mountain or in a secluded forest grove, it's all about that swoon-worthy romance.
Adventure Awaits: Calling all outdoorists! RMNP is your playground. Hike to epic viewpoints, spot wildlife, and soak in those starry skies.
One-of-a-Kind Experience: Your big day should be as unique as you are, right? Well, RMNP delivers. From sunrise ceremonies to sunset picnics, there's no shortage of unforgettable moments waiting to be made.
Flexibility Galore: Your wedding, your rules! Whether you're a sunrise fanatic or a sunset aficionado, RMNP lets you tailor your day to fit your vibe perfectly. It's all about doing things your way.
Privacy is Key: Lovebirds, rejoice! With acres of wilderness at your fingertips, you can find your own little slice of paradise to visit for anniversaries to come. It's just you, your boo, and Mother Nature.
Nature Lover's Paradise: By tying the knot in RMNP, you're not just saying "I love you" to your partner—you're also showing some serious love for the great outdoors. Cheers to supporting conservation efforts and keeping our parks pristine!

Quick Overview of Rocky Mountain National Park

Here’s the lowdown on Rocky Mountain National Park: it's split into two sides – the east and west. But here’s the kicker: from late fall to early spring, Trail Ridge Road, the lifeline connecting these sides, is a no-go. Yup, closed for business. So, if you're all about that park-hopping life during those seasons, buckle up for a 3+ hour detour.

The east side of Rocky Mountain National Park

has two visitor entrances
is in the town of Estes Park
is the more popular and busier side
has access to close accommodations, more restaurants
more established and beginner/moderate/hard trails
has multiple campgrounds that are reservation-only
has more ceremony location options

The west side of Rocky Mountain National Park

has one visitor entrance
is located close to Grand Lake, Colorado with a longer drive to town
trails on the west side of the park are less busy and less beginner-friendly
more private and less people on the west side
has one campground

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All about RMNP Timed Entry Permits

Do we need a timed entry permit?
Maybe!
If you are just taking portraits in the park, you and your guests (each car) will need a separate timed-entry permit to enter! RMNP has two types of entry permits, one that INCLUDES Bear Lake Corridor, and one that EXCLUDES it. If you want to do the more popular scenic lake locations (Dream, Emerald, Hayaihah, the Loch, Sky Pond, etc) you will need the timed entry reservation that includes the Bear Lake Corridor.

Double check in advance with the park if you have their $300 wedding permit to see if that will count as your timed entry permit for you or your guests. I recommend getting it in writing, just in case!

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RMNP timed entry reservation info as of April 2024, photo curtesy of NPS.gov

All about rocky mountain national parks wedding permit

Rocky Mountain National Park wedding Permit

How do I obtain a wedding permit for RMNP?
Permits for Rocky Mountain National Park are $300 and can (and should!) be reserved up to a year in advance of the month you are looking to get married. For example, if you’re looking to get married September 30th 2025, you should contact the park about a permit on September 1st, 2024.

To obtain your wedding permit, you work directly with the park by filling out the Special Use Authorization form which asks you about your date, preferred locations, guest count, etc. Once you email that over to the park, they will review your application and get back to you!

If accepted, the park will notify you on how to pay your $300 permit fee.

When should I get my wedding permit for RMNP?
ASAP! Sites can be reserved up to a year in advance and for the busier months (June through October), they sell out SO quick! The park also limits the number of weddings at each site.

Are there restrictions or limitations on where we can hold the ceremony?
Yes! Rocky Mountain National Park has designated locations for their wedding ceremonies. These locations can all be found on their website including notes on the group size allowed, location, restrictions, the number of cars permitted, as well as a site description.

What is the cost of a wedding permit in RMNP?
A wedding permit in Rocky Mountain National Park costs $300.

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RMNP wedding Ceremony Locations

What are the ceremony locations within RMNP?
Rocky Mountain National Park has designated ceremony locations within the park that are pre-approved for weddings and elopements! This is GREAT because you can reserve a specific spot for your group! Otherwise, we could be planning on showing up at the same spot as another couple getting married and have to wait.
Use the interactive map directly from the Rocky Mountain National Park website for more info about each location. You’re able to see more photos from ceremony sites throughout each season on their website.

What are the best ceremony locations within RMNP?
This all depends on what you’re looking for!
Dog friendly ceremony sites: Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater.
Wheelchair accessible sites: Hidden Valley, Lily Lake Trail, Lily Lake Southside Picnic Area, Sprague Lake, Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater.
West side of the park ceremony sites: Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater, Harbison Meadow Picnic Area.
Best mountain views: 3M Curve, Bear Lake Nature Trail, Lily Lake Trail, Sprague Lake, Upper Beaver Meadows.
Lake views: Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, Lily Lake.
Waterfall views: Alluvial Fan Bridge.
Includes seats for guests: Moraine Park Discovery Center, Lily Lake Southside Picnic Area, Harbison Meadow, Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater.
Most private: 3M Curve, Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater, Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater, Upper Beaver Meadows.
Least private: Bear Lake Nature Trail, Sprague Lake, Lily Lake Dock.
Allows up to 30 guests: Copeland Lake, Harbison Meadow Picnic Area, Hidden Valley, Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater, Sprague Lake IN THE WINTER, Upper Beaver Meadows.

Are there restrictions on the size of the wedding party or number of guests?
Yes! Most sites allow at least 10 guests, with some sites allowing up to 20 or 30 guests. Make sure you take parking spaces into account as parking is limited within the park!

Can we bring decorations, music, or other items for our ceremony?
Nope! Your permit rules will elaborate on this further, and you can always double-check on specifics when submitting your wedding permit directly with the park! We’ll want to follow all Leave No Trace rules so no arches, chairs, throwing of flower petals, etc.

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wedding portraits and rocky mountain national park elopement how to guide

Portraits elsewhere in RMNP and Estes Park

Can we take photos elsewhere in the park?
Yep! As long as you aren’t having a ceremony (exchanging rings, reading vows, reading letters, having an officiant, etc) we are permitted to take photos elsewhere around Rocky Mountain National Park.
Are there other rules we have to follow?
A lot of what we’ll want to follow will be in line with what’s in your wedding permit, as well as common courtesy. RMNP is popular and to keep the park accessible to weddings in the future it is best that we:
- Practice all rules of Leave No Trace
  - Plan ahead and prepare (rules, regulations, weather, etc)
  - Travel on durable surfaces (stay on trail!)
  - Dispose of waste properly
  - Leave what you find
  - Minimize campfire impact
  - Respect wildlife (which there is plenty of)
  - Be considerate of other visitors
- Be conscious and courteous of other park visitors
- Stay on trail
- Stay in small groups (I recommend keeping family/guest photos to your ceremony site and then just the two of you venturing off elsewhere together)

Can we take photos at a specific overlook or trailhead?
Yes! As long as we follow the rules above!

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Rocky Mountain National Park ELopement Timeline Example

For the perfect date, April 25th (aka Miss Congeniality Day) “because it’s not too hot, not too cold. All you need is a light jacket."

3:30 am - WAKEUP for the best day ever! Your hair/MUA is already here and helps you get ready in your cozy warm rental while your partner double-checks that everything is packed

4:45 am - You leave the rental and drive 30 minutes to Bear Lake Trailhead

5:15 am - Arrive at trailhead and begin hiking by headlamp to Dream Lake

6:00 am - Arrive at Dream Lake, change into your wedding clothes, and have a first look as the alpine glow begins on the mountains behind you

6:08 am - Sunrise

6:30 am - Make coffee in your Jetboil, eat a premade or packed breakfast

7:00 am - Wander around Dream Lake, hike to Emerald or Haiyaha if you feel like it!

9:00 am - Head back down to the trailhead

9:30 am - Arrive at the trailhead and head back to the rental property where your family and friends or private caterer/chef have already made brunch for you.

10:00 am - Breakfast! and family hangs! and naps if you want! Time to hang out and do whatever, spontaneity!

11:00 am - Your photographer gives you and your guests some space and heads to their rental for a nap :) Knowing Colorado there is a good chance that it will storm mid-afternoon.

3:00 pm - Photographer arrives back at your rental and you begin getting dressed (again!) while your photographer gets ‘getting ready’ photos that can consist of

getting ready
hanging out
details family and friends
activities
all of the things that do not have to exclusively mean “getting dressed”

4:30 pm - Leave the rental and head to your ceremony spot in the park. Having a later evening time slot means you won’t be waiting 40 minutes in line to get into the park.

5:00 pm - Arrive at ceremony spot, get friggen married!

5:15 pm - Toast with guests or each other, sign your marriage license, have a first dance or first kiss or first whatever as a married couple!

5:45 pm - Pop in the car and start heading up Trail Ridge Road

6:30 pm - Arrive at the top of Trail Ridge Road, find the best parking spot to open up the back of your car, lay out a blanket, and have a little picnic/snack time in the back of your car overlooking the mountains.

7:25 pm - Sunset, make sure you stick around for alpine glow which happens about 15 minutes after sunset

7:45 pm - Head to the restaurant for a late dinner

8:30 pm - Arrive at The Rock Inn (a personal favorite) for food with friends and family

10:00 pm - Head home or head back into the park for a few quick star photos

11:00 pm - Go to bed knowing you had the most incredible and true to you wedding day :)

What are the best times for lighting in RMNP?
The best lighting is always going to be 30 to 45 minutes on either side of sunrise and sunset. Cloudy days, while they don’t happen often in Colorado, also allow for gorgeous lighting throughout the day.

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Seasonal Considerations For eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park

What is the best time of year to elope in RMNP?
Winter (Mid October to April): If you’re looking for privacy, lower costs, are okay with colder weather and snow, have access to rent or have snowshoes (for new snow) or microspikes (for packed down snow).
Spring (April to early June): Same as above! Also okay with rain, snow, mud, as spring is a catch all.
Summer (June to mid September): you’re okay with crowds, are looking for wildflowers, okay with warmer/hot weather, can dress in layers to account for the temperature changes throughout the day and park (ex. park entrance vs top of Trail Ridge Road), want to travel to the top of Trail Ridge Road which is only open in the summer.
Fall (Late September to early October): you’re okay with crowds and more people or are looking to take photos somewhere off the beaten path. You’re interested in being around when the elk are bugging.

My personal favorite times of year to visit Rocky Mountain National Park are

Mid-October, depending on the weather some aspens can still have leaves and mountains can be snow-dusted
Winter just after a snowstorm when all the trees are still covered in a dusting of snow
Summer with all of the warm turquoise lakes you can swim in
Any season that has camping weather
Elk bugling season (mid-September through mid-October)
Summer when Trail Ridge Road is open

What weather conditions can we expect during our chosen season?
It’s a safe bet to be prepared for every season, every day. Winter can be cold, but when the sky is cloudless and the sun out, a 30 degree day can feel like a 50 degree day. Elevation in the park plays a factor in temperature: Trail Ridge Road can be 30 degrees colder and much windier or snowier, somewhere low elevation in the park. Mornings and after sunset the temperature drops considerably every season. Layers are key!

Are there any seasonal restrictions or closures that we should be aware of?
Trail Ridge Road, one of America’s ten Byways is only open in the summer, and will close for significant snow storms and weather.
For current alerts and closures for inside Rocky Mountain National Park, keep updated with the alerts on their website.

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Places to Stay Around Rocky Mountain National Park

What should we look for when booking a place?
- Location
  - Make sure the location you book is on the correct side of the park
  - Take into account drive time TO the park, as well as drive time WITHIN the park as most trailheads are 20+ minutes from the entrance
  - Location in relation to the town if you will be going out for food, shopping, renting gear, etc.
- Natural Lighting
  - If you have a photographer or videographer capture photos of you doing anything in your accommodation, natural lighting can be key! I look for places with large windows and neutral color schemes.
- Consider the Upgrades You Want
  - Want to ease those achy joints in the hot tub after a hike? Swim in a pool to cool down in the summer? Sit around a firepit with friends and family at the end of the day? Need to be able to do laundry or host 10 people? Take those into account when looking and filter down your options!
- Scenery
  - If you don’t want to have your ceremony in the park (for example, you want to include your dog but dogs aren’t allowed in most places in the park), finding a short-term rental that has incredible views can be key to having your ceremony outside of the park! There are no permit-free places to get married in Estes Park so your best bet is your rental!

What are some alternative accommodation options for eloping couples?
- Yurts
- Cabins
- Airbnb/VRBOs (just keep in mind that Airbnb does not allow “events” which include weddings or reception type activities)
- Hipcamps
- Campgrounds
- Stanley Hotel (yes, that one!)
Are there any campgrounds available for overnight stays?
Campgrounds within Rocky Mountain National Park are by reservation only as of 2024. The park releases sites up to 6 months in advance on a rolling window, 2 weeks in advance, and 1 week in advance.
There are a few campgrounds outside of the park where it is possible to find sites on weekdays in the summer. Most campgrounds in the area are $35+ per night.
Is there Dispersed Camping available around the park?
Dispersed camping around the park is SO hard to find (especially on weekends). You’re better off looking on the west side of the park, west of route 34. On the east side of the park, most dispersed camping will be west of route 7 south of the park. I like some spots at the route 7 and 72 split, there’s actually open sites there on weekends in the summers.
The park also offers backcountry camping in designated spots with a permit!

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Transportation in and around RMNP park

What are the transportation options for getting to and around RMNP?
When in doubt, carpool! Parking within the park is SO extremely (I cannot stress this enough) limited. The park service does operate a shuttle throughout the east side of the park as well.
What are the RMNP Shuttle Buses?
Rocky Mountain National Park has two shuttle routes - both are free but require a timed entry reservation to ride. They operate from the start of the timed entry reservation (May 24th for the 2024 season) to the end of reservation season (October 20th for the 2024 season). The shuttle busses do not operate outside of those dates!
Can we arrange transportation for our guests to and from the ceremony location?
Absolutely! Depending on timing, there can be a wait to take the shuttle busses so in some instances it is better to hire a local company to transport guests to and from sites. Depending on the company, size of the group/car, the timed entry reservation may be more expensive/different. Most local companies can update you on their policies.

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What to do during your elopement in Rocky Mountain National Park

Best things to do on your elopement day in Rocky Mountain National Park
- Walk the Bear Lake loop
- Hike to a lake
  - Dream lake
  - Lake Haiyaha
  - Emerald Lake
  - Mills Lake
  - Sky Pond
  - Lake of Glass
- Walk the Sprague Lake loop
- Walk the Lily Lake loop
- Hike Gem lake
- Schedule horseback riding at the Glacier Creek stables inside the park
- Drive Trail Ridge Road
- Drive the 4x4 Fall River Road
- Go to the Visitors Center
- Get your park book stamped
- Take a guided group tour to learn more about the park
- Have a picnic
- Take a picture at Milner Pass
- Hike the Ute Trail to the Continental Divide
- Visit the Alpine Visitors Center
- Rent a boat and spend the day on Grand Lake (technically outside of the park but..)
- Watch sunrise or sunset from Trail Ridge Road
- Reserve a campsite and make hot dogs and hamburgers for friends
- Wake up in the middle of the night to see the stars (best time to see the Milky Way is winter + spring!)
- See 4 different waterfalls by hiking to Ouzel Falls

What Outdoor activities can we do?

Horseback riding
- Glacier Creek Stables inside the park
- National Park Gateway Stables
- Jackson Stables
- Sombrero Stables
- Elkhorn Stables
- Meeker Park Lodge
- Your own horses are allowed too!
Hiking
- My favorite trail is a lake loop that starts at Bear Lake Trailhead and stops at Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, to the connector trail over to Loch Vale, up to Mills Lake then back down past Alberta Falls to the Glacier Gorge Trailhead (if taking the shuttle, otherwise you can also easily access Bear Lake trailhead without doing the whole thing over again). You can also add on Lake of Glass and Sky Pond if you’re super wild!
Rafting
- Rapid Transit Rafting
- A Wanderlust Adventure
- Mountain Whitewater
Private Tours
- Green Jeep Tours
- Yellow Wood Guiding
- Backbone Adventures
- Wildside 4x4 Tours
- Tour Estes Park
- Rewildling Expeditions
Climbing
- Kmac Guides
Fly Fishing
- Peak to Plains Guide Service
Open Air Adventure Park
Photo Tours
Snowcat Tours
Guided Bike Tour
Birding Tours
Wildlife Tours
Polar Plunge (visit during Frozen Dead Guy Days in the spring and do it with a group!)

What all can we do at our elopement?

I cannot stress enough how an elopement isn’t an all day photoshoot - but it is your wedding day.

When you look back on your wedding photos or video a year, 5 years, 25 years from now, you’re going to want photos from this day. You’re going to want to see your partner getting dressed and ready to love on you for the rest of their life. You’re going to want to see the road you drove down to say your vows, the first meal you shared as newlyweds, the people you celebrated with after.

The memories from the day will fade, but the tangible photos or video that you have will last a lifetime.

Some moments you can choose to have photographed during your elopement day:

Making breakfast together
Getting ready, together or separately
Family or friends helping you into clothes
First look, with each other or family and friends
Ceremony / vows
Photos with family, friends and guests
Romantics
Any activities that are truly unique to the two of you
First dance, cutting cake, any traditions you’d like to include

Click here to see more ideas of what activities you could incorporate into your wedding day.

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what to outside of rocky mountain national park

What to do Outside of the Park

What are some spots worth exploring outside of the park?
- East Side
  - In Estes Park
    - Have a drink at the Stanley hotel bar
    - Gem Lake
  - Within an 60 Minute Drive
    - Brainard Lake
    - Rainbow Lakes
    - Visit the town of Nederland
- West Side
  - Have lunch or dinner at Sloopy’s
  - Visit the town of Grand Lake
  - Visit the town of Winter Park
  - Spend the day on Grand Lake
- North Side
  - State Forest State Park
    - One of my favorite places in Colorado but a long drive from Denver! Incredible night sky, hikes with fewer people, and stunning views. It’s about 2 1/2 hours from Estes.

Food recommendations for around Estes Park
Breakfast/Brunch
- Notchtop *my favorite
  - I go after a morning hikes & get the Waffle Combo, sub the Banana Split waffle aka ice cream for breakfast!
- The Birds Nest
- Donut Haus (yes it’s in a gas station, yes it is so good)
Lunch
- Scratch Deli
- The Birds Nest
- River Walk Cafe
Dinner
- The Rock Inn *my favorite (dog friendly)
- Wayfinder (dog friendly)
- The Bullpen Bowling and Sports Bar
- Bird & Jim
- The Stanley Hotel
Dessert
- Estes Park Sugar Shack *my favorite ice cream/gelato
- Grandmas Mountain Cookies
- Dairy Queen (forever a fan of DQ)
Coffee
- Cinnamons Bakery
- Kind Coffee
- Coffee on the Rocks
- Ravens Roast
Brewery
- Avant Garde Aleworks
- Post Brewing
- The Rock Inn
- Snowy Peaks Winery
- Rock Cut

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Legalities of getting married in RMNP

How do we get a marriage license in Larimer County?
If obtaining your marriage license in the county for the east side of the park: Apply for your marriage license online at the Larimer Clerk and County Recorder website! This expedites the process for when you arrive in person to pick up your license.
To pick up your license, both applicants need to be present.
- Arrive prior to 4:30 p.m. (Marriage/Civil union licenses will not be issued after 4:30 p.m.).
- License is valid for 35 days from date of issuance.
- License is only valid for use within the state of Colorado.
- $30.00 Cash Only license fee; other fees may apply.
- Parent or Legal Guardian information is required regardless of the age of the applicants.
- Death or divorce information required (if applicable).
- Must be 18 years of age.
- Must have valid proof of identification (examples on their site!).
Do we need an officiant in Rocky Mountain National Park for our elopement?
Nope! In Colorado you can solemnize your own marriage meaning you only need yourselves :) If you’d like an officiant, there are plenty that are willing to travel from the font range.

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How can we include family and friends in our RMNP elopement?

How can we include family and friends in our National Park elopement?

There are SO many ways to get married while having family and friends present or a part of your day. Whether that be by:

Inviting them! You can find ways to include family and friends in any moment of the day, whether that is getting ready with them, having them present at your ceremony, or by celebrating with them after.
Ask them to write letters to you for you to read after you say your vows.
Incorporate details that remind you of them, like by repurposing wedding attire, or including jewelry, etc, in your day.
Celebrate with them either before or after your big day.

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