A Rocky Mountain National Park elopement offers couples an opportunity to exchange vows surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscapes. With towering peaks, alpine lakes, sprawling meadows, and pine forests, the park provides an intimate setting for your special day. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil lake or an overlook – RMNP has a location for every couple.

Planning an elopement in a national park requires careful consideration of permits, regulations, seasonal weather conditions, and logistics. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about having a Rocky Mountain National Park elopement. You’ll learn about the different ceremony locations to understanding park rules and choosing the best time of year. Read more to figure out how you can have the best day!

How to Plan a RMNP Elopement

Working with a photographer who specializes in elopements and understands RMNP’s rules can be incredibly helpful. I personally help all of my clients navigate the process of planning their elopements at RMNP to ensure we meet all expectations the park has set forth.

However, I would definitely start by securing a wedding permit, which is required for any formal ceremony within the park. The National Park Service limits the number of ceremonies each year and designates specific locations for weddings. We will chat more about that later in this post.

Once your permit is secured, you’ll need to consider seasonal weather conditions. The park experiences drastic temperature variations, and certain roads and locations may be inaccessible during winter and spring due to snow.

Hiring the right vendors is also crucial. Couples may also want to hire a florist, hair and makeup artist, or adventure elopement planner to help coordinate logistics.

How to Find Your Perfect Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Location

Rocky Mountain National Park features a variety of landscapes, from alpine tundra to aspen groves and dramatic mountain vistas. While there are endless beautiful spots throughout the park only specific locations are approved for wedding ceremonies. There are a total of 12 ceremony sites you can choose from. I would recommend picking out your top 3 favorites in case you can get your number one choice. Choosing the right location depends on your vision for the day, accessibility needs, and the number of guests attending.

Approved RMNP List of Ceremony Sites:

Sprague Lake – One of the most popular elopement spots in the park, Sprague Lake offers a serene lakeside setting. Sprague lake offers views of the Continental Divide. The location is easily accessible via a short, flat trail. This is an ideal location for couples wanting a stunning yet convenient ceremony site.

Lily Lake – This quiet and peaceful lake offers breathtaking views of Longs Peak and is another easily accessible location. The dock and shoreline create a picture-perfect setting for an intimate ceremony. I would recommend that you schedule to have your ceremony on a weekday at sunrise or sunset due to the locations popularity. This location does have restrooms and a picnic shelter too.

Bear Lake – Known for its stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks, Bear Lake is a favorite for elopements. Note that: though it is beautiful it can be busy due to its popularity. Sunrise ceremonies offer the best chance for privacy. The park only allows ceremonies to be held here on weekdays due to its popularity as well.

3M Curve – If you’re looking for a backdrop of towering mountain peaks, 3M Curve provides dramatic views. You will be able to get views of Longs Peak and the surrounding valleys. This location is ideal for couples who want a high-elevation ceremony without a long hike. I don’t recommend this location for people who cannot handle rocky and steep terrain. This location does not have restrooms so be sure to tell your guests before they arrive.

Upper Beaver Meadows – A wide-open meadow with stunning mountain views. This location is perfect for couples wanting a peaceful and nature-filled elopement setting. This ceremony site is tucked away far from the main road and is private and very quiet. This is a great location for larger groups and has a fairly flat trail. This location has restrooms but I’m not sure I would recommend this for wheelchair accessibility since you have to go through grassy areas and loose gravel.

Timber Creek Amphitheater – This location is located within a campground on the western side of the park near Grand Lake. This location is very accessible and comes with several amenities such as restrooms, wheelchair accessibility and even the ability to camp right at near your venue. However, there is a large building that obstructs the views of the mountains making it my least favorite ceremony site.

Hidden Valley – This is a great location if you are looking to host your elopement celebration in the pine forests of RMNP. This a quiet location away from the hubbub in the park. In the summer you can expect to have wildflowers popping up and it has quite a bit of shade for your guests. One of the many benefits of this location is that it comes equipped with restrooms and picnic shelter. It also wheelchair accessible.

Alluvial Fan Bridge – This location has a lovely waterfall that you can take portraits by. It has some nice foliage around it and if you look the other direction there is a small mountain peek. The walk from the parking lot is paved and is quite a long walk. I would not recommend this location if you have older guests that can’t walk uphill or long distances. This is a very popular location so the chances of people being in your photos or listening in on your ceremony is high. You can only host 20 people at this ceremony site and can only have 5 vehicles.

Moraine Park Amphitheater – This location is also in the trees and makes for a great location to beat the summer heat. This location comes with bench seating and can seat up to 30 guests. This is one of the only locations in which your pet can be present. Additionally, this is the only ceremony sites that allows decorations. I would recommend reserving this area on a weekday since this is a popular location which can result in road noise and visible cars. This locations is wheelchair friendly and has path from the parking lot. There are bathrooms at the nearby visitors center as well.

Copeland Lake – This location is off the side of the road and can result in road noise. However the views are pretty beautiful with trees and mountain peeks in the backdrop. This location is best in the early summer when the water levels are higher. It’s also pretty amazing in the winter as well. To access Copeland lake you’ll use Wild Basin entrance near Allenspark, Colorado.

Harbison Meadow – This ceremony site is located on the western side of the park and is easily the better of the two ceremony locations on this side. It sits within a gorgeous meadow with mountains views. It does not offer a ton of privacy but has parking lot and flat trail. The surrounding area was affected by a fire and has damage to it. You may want to consider an alternate ceremony location in Grand Lake.

Permits + Rules for Weddings at RMNP

RMNP enforces strict regulations on elopements and weddings. It’s essential to reserve your ceremony site in advance and adhere to all park guidelines. Applications for weddings are available one year from your date. Example: If your wedding is June 1, 2025 the application will be available on June 1, 2024. The cost of the ceremony site permit is $300. You will also need to pay the entrance fee of $30 per vehicle and a timed entry fee of $2.

Another thing to note, is that the park only issues 60 permits per month from May-October. In the winter months, only a max of 40 permits are available from November-December. Additionally, some of the ceremony sites have a cap on how many guests you can have at your ceremony. Many of the sites allow up to 30 guests, but you will need to double check with the park.

What if we can’t get approved for a ceremony site within the park?

If you aren’t able to secure a ceremony site for your wedding or elopement you will need to find a location or venue outside of the park to host your ceremony. This policy is also if you plan on reading vows to each other, the park considers that to be a ceremony. It is important to note that if you have seen photos online of couples reading their vows or hosting a ceremony at a location within the park that isn’t on the designated ceremony sites list this is illegal. Many photographers (myself included) have a list of locations outside the park that they can share with you if you find yourself in need of an alternate ceremony site. Once your ceremony is complete you can travel inside the park to take photos at any location.

Is Your Dog Allowed at your RMNP Elopement?

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed at most locations within the park. The only area they can be is the Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater. Dogs can be on the roads and in paved parking areas. However, they are not allowed on hiking trails. My advice is that if you want to include your furry friend on your elopement day, designate a friend to be in charge of getting them to and from the park. After your ceremony your pet can be taken home, allowing you to get additional portraits elsewhere in the park.

Benefits of Eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park

A Rocky Mountain National Park elopement offers several advantages for couples looking to exchange vows in a breathtaking natural setting. One of the most significant benefits is the diversity of scenery—from high-alpine tundra and dramatic cliffs to waterfalls and wildflower-filled meadows. No matter the season, RMNP provides a stunning backdrop for elopements.

Another key benefit is the ability to self-solemnize, meaning couples can marry without the need for an officiant or witnesses. Colorado is one of the few states that allows this, making it a perfect destination for a deeply personal and private ceremony.

Best Time of Year to Have a Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement

The best time to elope in RMNP depends on your desired setting and weather preferences.

Summer (June – August) – The most accessible time for an elopement, summer provides warm temperatures, lush greenery, and open mountain passes. However, it’s also the busiest season, so sunrise or weekday elopements are best for avoiding crowds.

Fall (September – October) – With golden aspens and cooler temperatures, fall is one of the most picturesque times to elope in RMNP. However, early snowfall can occur at higher elevations.

Winter (November – March) – For couples dreaming of a snowy elopement, winter transforms RMNP into a winter wonderland. Many roads, including Trail Ridge Road, close due to snow, but locations like Bear Lake remain accessible.

Spring (April – May) – While lower elevations begin to thaw, many trails and higher-elevation locations remain snow-covered. Spring can be unpredictable, but it offers solitude and unique beauty for those willing to embrace the elements.

Marriage and Permitting Laws for a Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement

Colorado’s marriage laws are simple, making it an easy place to elope. To legally marry, couples must obtain a marriage license from any Colorado county clerk’s office, which costs about $30. You do not need an officiant or witnesses in the state of Colorado to get married. However, when you go to the county clerks office you need to tell them this will be self-solemnization ceremony.

RMNP requires a wedding permit for all ceremonies. Permits need to be obtained in advance. The park enforces strict guidelines to protect the environment, including guest limits and restrictions on decorations, music, and amplified sound.

Traveling to Rocky Mountain National Park

Most couples fly into Denver International Airport (DIA), which is about a 90-minute drive from Estes Park, the main gateway town to RMNP. Renting a car is the best way to reach the park, as there are no direct shuttles from Denver to Estes Park.

Best Accommodations and Dining for Your Elopement

Staying in Estes Park provides easy access to RMNP, with plenty of cabin rentals, cozy lodges, and boutique hotels available. Some of the best accommodations include The Stanley Hotel, The Estes Park Resort, and secluded Airbnb cabins with mountain views.

For a celebratory meal, check out Bird & Jim. This restaurant offers farm-to-table cuisine with a rustic mountain vibe. Another great option is Twin Owls Steakhouse, known for its fine dining experience.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement

A Rocky Mountain National Park elopement is a magical way to celebrate your love in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Whether you envision a mountaintop ceremony, a peaceful lakeside exchange of vows, or a snow-covered winter elopement, RMNP offers countless possibilities. By securing the necessary permits, planning around seasonal conditions, and embracing the adventure, you can create a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the heart of the Rockies. I would love to help you plan an incredible elopement experience in RMNP reach out here to see how I can help you plan the best day ever!