How to Get Married 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
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!
RMNP timed entry reservation info as of April 2024, photo curtesy of NPS.gov
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.
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.
3M Curve
Max Ceremony Size: 15
Max Number of Vehicles: 3
Special Site Restrictions: None
Site Description: 3.5 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Large rock outcrop overlooks mountains, meadows, and moraines.
Alluvial Fan Bridge
Max Ceremony Size: 20
Max Number of Vehicles: 5
Special Site Restrictions: Very busy area during summer season.
Site Description: 7 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Old Fall River River. Large boulder-strewn river with waterfall, wooden foot bridge, aspen trees, restrooms.
Bear Lake Nature Trails
Max Ceremony Size: 20
Max Number of Vehicles: 5
Special Site Restrictions: No weddings permitted from the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through 2nd Tuesday of October. No weekends year-round (Saturday/Sunday).
Site Description: 11 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. On Bear Lake with mountain views, aspen trees, restrooms. Very busy area year round.
Copeland Lake
Max Ceremony Size: 30
Max Number of Vehicles: 10
Special Site Restrictions: None
Site Description: 13 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Hwy 7 in Wild Basin. Lake with mountain views, forested area with some aspen trees. Restrooms nearby.
Harbison Meadow Picnic Area (West Side)
Max Ceremony Size: 30
Max Number of Vehicles: 10
Special Site Restrictions: Event may not occupy picnic sites for ceremonies.
Site Description: West Side of the park. Large meadow with mountain view. No restrooms. Wildlife frequent the area. Adjacent to Trail Ridge Road.
Hidden Valley
Max Ceremony Size: 30
Max Number of Vehicles: 10
Special Site Restrictions: Event may not occupy picnic sites for ceremonies.
Site Description: 6 miles from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Aspens and pines, summer wildflowers, wooden foot bridge, restrooms, wheelchair accessible.
Lily Lake Dock
Max Ceremony Size: 10
Max Number of Vehicles: 10* (*Vehicle limit of 10 applies from the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through 2nd Tuesday of October.)
Special Site Restrictions: None
Site Description: 6.4 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Hwy 7. 360° mountain views, lake, walking trail, restrooms, wheelchair-accessible trail.
Lily Lake Trail
Max Ceremony Size: 20 (30)
Max Number of Vehicles: 10* (*Vehicle limit of 10 applies from the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through 2nd Tuesday of October.)
Special Site Restrictions: None
Site Description: 6.4 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Hwy 7. 1/4 mile walk on lake trail, mountain views, wheelchair-accessible trail. A knoll overlooks the lake and aspen trees.
Lily Lake Southside Picnic Area
Max Ceremony Size: 20 (30)
Max Number of Vehicles: 10* (*Vehicle limit of 10 applies from the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through 2nd Tuesday of October.)
Special Site Restrictions: None
Site Description: 6.4 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Hwy 7. 1/4 mile walk on lake trail, mountain views, wheelchair-accessible trail. A knoll overlooks the lake and aspen trees.
Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater
Max Ceremony Size: 30
Max Number of Vehicles: 10* (*Ceremony size and vehicle limit of 10 applies from the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through 2nd Tuesday of October.)
Special Site Restrictions: Dogs permitted on leash.
Site Description: 2.7 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Bear Lake Road. Pine trees, view of Moraine Park and Longs Peak, wooden benches, rustic amphitheater.
Why I Like It: It’s set back from the road and parking lot so you have a lot of privacy.
Sprague Lake
Max Ceremony Size: 15 summer / 30 winter
Max Number of Vehicles: 3 summer / 10 winter* (*Ceremony size and vehicle limit of 10 applies from the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through 2nd Tuesday of October.)
Special Site Restrictions: Event cannot occupy picnic sites. Very busy area.
Site Description: 7 miles from Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Bear Lake Road. Wheelchair-accessible trail, dramatic view of mountains and lake, dock, knoll, wooden foot bridge, restrooms.
Why I Like It: Sprague Lake is one of the longer walks but as seen in the last photo below, there is an alternate trail for folks to walk around so they don’t have to walk super close to your wedding ceremony site! It’s also got incredible views and 10/10 lighting for your photographer :)
Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater (West Side)
Max Ceremony Size: 20
Max Number of Vehicles: 5
Special Site Restrictions: Limited parking.
Site Description: West Side of the Park. Partial views of Colorado River, restrooms. Large campground nearby. Wheelchair accessible.
Upper Beaver Meadows
Max Ceremony Size: 30
Max Number of Vehicles: 10
Special Site Restrictions: Road closures typically from mid-Oct to mid-May, no vehicles allowed when road closed. No vehicle access in winter.
Site Description: 1.5 miles from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. Views of Continental Divide, open meadows, restrooms.
Why I Like It: If you’re looking for views and privacy, this is the spot for you! Say your vows in a wide open field with mountain views in the background.
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.
Portraits elsewhere in RMNP and Estes Park
Can we take photos elsewhere in the park? Yes!
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. Some of my favorite spots:
Trail Ridge Road
The Trail to Dream Lake
Overlooks
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.