How to Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park + Estes Park Elopements | Updated for 2025
Updated October 19th, 2024
Updated for the 2025-2026 Wedding Season
RMNP accepts applications a year in advance of the desired wedding month. For example: beginning Oct.1, 2024, RMNP will have started accepting applications for all days in October of 2025. Maximum permit limits are in effect, so if you have your hearts set on a RoMo elopement or micro-wedding in 2025 or 2026, you need to apply for your date ASAP! Jump to RMNP Wedding Permits.
Important COVID-19 Updates for 2025/2026 Elopements in RMNP:
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rocky Mountain National Park has set a limit of a total of 30 people for all wedding ceremonies. Total group size cannot exceed 30 people, including the wedding couple, guests, officiants, and photographers.
Thinking of Getting Married in RMNP
or Eloping in Estes Park?
Plan your Estes Park elopement or Rocky Mountain micro-wedding with this comprehensive guide!
So, you’ve decided to buck tradition and take your own path. An adventure elopement is a brave and unconventional way to craft an intimate, unique day that’s 100% your own. If you and your partner love the great outdoors and thrive on connecting with nature, Rocky Mountain National Park might be the perfect spot to tie the knot in an unforgettable fashion.
Alternatively, nearby Estes Park has really solidified itself as the perfect place for your micro-wedding. The beautiful town in the foothills of the Rockies has a robust wedding industry that offers tons of conveniences coupled with breathtaking scenery.
Here’s everything you’ll need to know if you’re wanting to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park or pull off an incredible Estes Park micro-wedding!
Table of Contents
Why Choose a Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement?
With 265,769 acres of pristine wilderness Rocky Mountain National Park is a nature lover’s paradise. It’s also one of my favorite spots to shoot elopements! Tucked away in Northern Colorado between Estes Park and Grand Lake, a Rocky Mountain National Park wedding offers:
Pristine lakes
Dramatic rock formations
Mountain vistas
Some of the best alpine scenery in the world
From a photographer’s perspective, there’s a breathtaking backdrop at just about every turn. But despite the park’s remote feel and staggering size, it’s still just a stone’s throw from vibrant metropolitan areas like Denver and Boulder, making it an extremely accessible spot for adventure elopements.
When to Have Your Rocky Mountain National Park
Wedding or Elopement
Any season is a fantastic season to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether you’re looking for:
Glistening powder under sunny blue Springtime skies
Summer’s flowered meadows and gorgeous waterfalls
Mountainsides glowing golden with autumn’s aspen leaves
A winterscape of iced lakes and snowy peaks
…I guarantee you’ll find it here. I think my favorite time of year in Rocky Mountain National Park is late-summer to mid-fall. The colors really pop and the sunshine is glorious–perfect for an outdoor wedding or elopement. The typically nice weather during this time allows for more options for places to exchange vows, too.
As an expert in Colorado elopement photography, I can promise your photos will be amazing no matter what time of year you choose. That’s because the scenery in Rocky Mountain National Park is simply stunning all year round.
Planning Your Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement
Given its mesmerizing beauty, it’s no wonder that Rocky Mountain National Park attracts close to 4.5 million visitors per year. It’s also open 24/7, so there’s a ton of flexibility when it comes to scheduling your big day. Unfortunately, this also means there’s no way to guarantee a ceremony that’s 100% private.
Peak season runs from June until October, but there’s bustle year-round. If you’re going to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park, schedule during the offseason—ideally during the week rather than the weekend. Even so, no matter what day or time you choose, know that during your Rocky Mountain National Park wedding you’ll be sharing space with other park visitors.
Rocky Mountain National Park is famous for its mountains, and mountains mean high altitudes and unpredictable weather. Conditions can change at the drop of a hat. So if you’re wanting to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park, be prepared and plan to dress in layers. If you’re coming from out of state, be sure to read up on altitude sickness, and take appropriate precautions. (If you book me as your photographer, I’ll send you gear guides and packing lists to make sure everyone’s prepared.)
If you’re traveling from out of state, be warned that no lodging is available within the park. But you do always have the option to stay nearby in Estes Park, a charming mountain town located just minutes from the park’s Fall River entrance. Otherwise, overnight visitors may opt to pitch a tent or park an RV in one of Rocky Mountain National Park’s many campgrounds.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Wedding Permits + Policies
Before shouting “I do” from that mountaintop there are a few (simple!) hoops you’ll need to jump through. You’ll also want to be sure you fully understand the Rocky Mountain National Park rules—or let a Park veteran tag along with you all day….
(¡Hola!)
As of 2020, when a certain global event turned our worlds upside down, the National Park Service implemented a much more stringent policy regarding occupancy and scheduling, which is still in place as we head into 2025.
First off, you’ll need to apply for a Rocky Mountain National Park Private Wedding Permit (sometimes referred to as a “Special Use Permit”) which costs $300 and authorizes you to marry in one of the park’s designated elopement sites. Before starting the application process, you’ll need to know the specific day and location of your elopement. After nailing that down, complete the Application for Special Use Permit and submit it to the park via email to: romo_fees_permits@nps.gov. Payment is handled after your application has been approved. (You'll receive an email with payment instructions once your application has been accepted.)
You can apply for your Rocky Mountain National Park wedding permit up to one year before your requested ceremony date. Keep in mind that the National Park Service limits the total number of elopements permitted to just six (6) per day, and no more than two (2) weddings per day may be booked at any designated wedding location (regardless of availability!) so apply early in order to secure your spot.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent wildfires, RMNP has set a limit of a total of 30 people for all elopement/wedding ceremonies. Your total group size cannot exceed 30 people, including the wedding couple, guests, officiants, and photographers. (Most designated sites, however, have even stricter occupancy limits. Read details about each location below.)
No photography permit is required, although you will need to apply for a marriage license in person at the County Clerk’s office.
How to Apply for a Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Permit
Take these steps to complete the permit process:
Learn more about getting a wedding permit on the official website for Rocky Mountain National Park.
Choose your date.
Pick your preferred site for the ceremony. (See locations below.) You can also email romo_fees_permits@nps.gov or call the Concession Management Office at (970) 586-1209 for more information about availability.
Decide on a two-hour time slot that works best for you. Your wedding or elopement photographer should be able to help you put together a helpful itinerary of the day. I know I will!
Be as flexible on the date, time, and location as possible.
Fill out the RMNP wedding permit form and submit it by email to romo_fees_permits@nps.gov.
If your permit is approved, you’ll receive it for signature by email. Then you’ll review, sign, and return it for final approval. After everything is finalized, you get an authorized copy which must remain in your possession during your ceremony.
Rocky Mountain Elopement Ceremony Locations
+ Wedding Venues
Inside Rocky Mountain National Park, there are 12 official sites where you can have your ceremony. I’ve pinned these sites on the map below. But there are more sites you can easily access before or after your vow exchange and get those dramatic Rocky Mountain National Park wedding photos you’ve been dreaming of. Then, there are a couple of places where good hiking boots are required for a truly epic day.
Yellow pins: Official RMNP wedding sites
Blue pins: My personal favorite scenic spots for Rocky Mountain National Park elopement photos
Orange pins: Lace up the boots–these fantastic photography sites are hike-in only!
While Rocky Mountain National Park offers permits for designated ceremony sites, they have a whole host of other stunning locations that are perfect for photos pre- or post-ceremony. (See Lois + Brandon’s sunrise engagement photos at Dream Lake if you need proof!)
Once granted, your Rocky Mountain National Park Private Wedding Permit allows you to hold your ceremony in one of the park’s 12 designated wedding sites. Keep in mind that you’ll need to list your intended spot on your permit application, so we’ll just need to make sure we’ve researched your ideal location before applying — this is where my expertise and knowledge of the Park comes in handy!
Each of the elopement sites listed below has its own unique charm. As per the Rocky Mountain National Park rules, they each have their own individual regulations and attendance limits.
Please note: Normal entrance fees apply to all vehicles associated with the ceremony, so carpooling or shuttling is strongly encouraged and may even be required, as parking spaces are limited in the park. Each vehicle of ceremony participants needs a printed copy of the wedding permit to show to entrance staff on arrival, and vehicles will only be allowed entry beginning two hours before the start of the ceremony.
1. 3M Curve
Maximum occupancy: 15 people + 3 cars
This is the spot for the best views of the only fourteener in Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak, and also one of the more popular wedding sites here. If your wedding party is less than 15 people total, including you, guests, and vendors, this is an excellent choice.
The curve along Highway 36/Trail Ridge Road, west from Estes Park, isn’t marked, but it is one of the designated wedding spots. You’ll find it three miles past the entrance to Beaver Meadows. You can park on the left of the road as you head west.
The exact site is along the trail that starts next to the parking area and goes behind a rock formation to the overlook. You and your guests should wear sturdy shoes since the trail is a bit rough. It’s also not good for guests with mobility limitations.
You might hear some highway noise, but you won’t see any cars nor the parking lot from the site. The general public won’t have a reason to be near the ceremony location so you’ll enjoy the privacy. Just be aware there are no restrooms.
If you’re after rolling grassy meadows and dramatic mountain backdrops, 3M Curve has the best of both worlds. It probably has the most quintessentially “RMNP wedding” vibes of the 12 elopement sites. Located near the main road, 3M Curve’s relative accessibility does come at the cost of a little noise and foot traffic.
The rules say dogs are allowed “within 100 feet of the road” and must be on a leash. See what that actually means below… Jump to RMNP’s pet policy.
3M Curve elopement (photo by Andrea Enger Photography)
2. Sprague Lake
Maximum occupancy: 15 people + 3 cars in summer (or 30 people + 10 cars in winter)
For a Rocky Mountain National Park wedding or elopement in winter, think about Sprague Lake. The lake has a scenic loop that leads to a darling dock jutting over the water. On clear days, the views of Hallet Peak makes this place a dreamy Alpine site for a Colorado winter wedding.
When the ground is clear of snow and ice, the trail is wheelchair accessible. Otherwise, you’ll need waterproof hiking boots. Plus there are gorgeous points all along the trail for photos as you make your way to the dock for your ceremony.
I particularly like this dock because it’s off the trail and out of the way of hikers. However it looks out over a fairly busy part of the park, so for the most privacy, you’ll want to pick a day midweek for exchanging those vows.
Sprague Lake at RMNP. Photo by Lauren Lopez on Unsplash
3. Upper Beaver Meadows
Maximum occupancy: 30 people + 10 cars
If you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement in a pastoral grassland prairie, an Upper Beaver Meadows micro-wedding might check all the boxes. This beautiful space is just lovely for a Colorado summer elopement: Private, quiet, and offers both flat and rocky spots as a choice for photos and vows. You’ll also be treated to a view of Longs Peak from here.
This is a good choice of wedding sites for larger groups since up to 30 people are allowed. A groomed road leads to the trail and there’s parking and restrooms at the trailhead. Despite its accessibility, you won’t see many hikers. And in contrast to busier sites like 3M and Sprague Lake, this spot gives you the best shot at a quiet ceremony with a more secluded vibe. Though closed to vehicles during the winter months (mid-October to mid-May), Upper Beaver Meadows is ideal for summertime elopements.
Upper Beaver Meadows (photo courtesy of the National Park Service)
4. Lily Lake Dock
Maximum occupancy: 10 people + 10 cars
At Lily Lake, you can choose between three sites–the Southside Picnic Area, the trail, or the dock. When it comes to 360° mountain views, no RMNP wedding site beats Lily Lake Dock. You’ll definitely want to reserve it for midweek either at sunrise or sunset. The lighting is best at those times and you’ll get more privacy and much less noise.
This is a very busy area and the dock is on the trail. When taking photos of the dock from the trail, the road and the parking lot will be luckily be behind the camera. So if you are getting married here on a weekend, you will have people in the background and also noise from the parking lot—but some couples don’t mind an audience!
Its backdrop mixes the serenity of lakeside views with the grandeur of alpine-dotted mountains. At just 6 miles from the Beaver Meadows Visitor’s Center, a Lily Lake wedding on the dock is conveniently located as well as wheelchair accessible. Just remember that while the views are stunning, you can expect to share them with plenty of other park visitors.
Lily Lake at RMNP. Photo by Brandon Sok on Unsplash
5. Lily Lake Trail + Lily Lake Southside Picnic Area
Maximum occupancy: 20 people at the Trail and 30 people at the Picnic Area + 10 cars
Located close to Lily Lake Dock, Lily Lake Trail and Lily Lake Southside Picnic Area offer nearby alternatives. To reach these sites, visitors will be required to hike a flat, modest quarter-mile trail, which is wheelchair-accessible. If you’re able, climbing the site’s knoll to the lake overlook will reward you with some breathtaking aspen scenery.
Lily Lake Trail at RMNP. Photo by Kaushal Subedi on Unsplash
6. Bear Lake
Maximum occupancy: 20 people + 5 cars
In the winter months, Bear Lake will freeze over which makes for fantastic winter wedding photos! But the best part about eloping at Bear Lake is that you’re close to Dream Lake if you want to hike in to that dreamy scene for portraits before or after your ceremony!
During the colder months Bear Lake is the perfect winter wonderland. It offers mountain views, aspen trees, and nearby restrooms. At just a stone’s throw from the trailhead, it’s also one of the most accessible elopement sites in the park.
Just keep in mind that Bear Lake has a more restricted availability than most other sites: No elopements are permitted on weekends or during the summertime beginning Memorial Day weekend and through Columbus Day. Basically the park will only allow ceremonies here on weekdays, October through May. Also know that Bear Lake won’t be completely private, even in winter. But for an amazing alpine wedding experience, this lake is a great choice.
Bear Lake at RMNP (photo courtesy of the National Park Service)
7. Copeland Lake
Maximum occupancy: 30 people + 10 cars
Copeland Lake in early summer is super photogenic—lake levels are high and foliage is lush. Close to the Wild Basin entrance, Copeland Lake is a ways down an unpaved, but easily drivable, road. Park in the small lot and take a short walk to get to the lakeshore. Since the road is so close, you won’t get complete privacy, but Copeland Lake is spacious and considerably quieter than many of the park’s busier sites.
Photo by Andrea Enger
8. Harbison Meadow
Maximum occupancy: 30 people + 10 cars
On the park’s west side, this beautifully open meadow has a lot to offer. It’s way less busy than other park spaces and it has a lovely distant view of the mountains on the horizon. The meadow is easily accessible by a flat trail but the parking lot and road are quite close.
If you and your guests are coming in from the Grand Lake area, this is a convenient ceremony site. There may be some 2020 East Troublesome Fire damage still lingering here, but I am more than happy to scout it ahead of time if this Rocky Mountain ceremony location is a top contender for you!
Harbison Meadow at RMNP (photo courtesy of the National Park Service)
9. Hidden Valley
Maximum occupancy: 30 people + 10 cars — contact RMNP directly for availability
Hidden Valley’s backdrop is more serene than cinematic. You’ll find more forested skylines than mountain vistas, but Hidden Valley is quiet and offers more privacy than the other sites. In the summer, the meadow bursts to life with wild blooms and even in the heat of a Colorado summer day, it remains cool and shady. (This is good to know if you want ceremony photography and other portraits during midday because the light never gets glaring.)
The trail here is also wheelchair accessible. Restrooms, a picnic shelter, and a roomy parking lot are at the trailhead. Continue to drive from Hidden Valley up Highway 36/Trail Ridge Road to combine cool forest scenery with stunning mountain views and enjoy one of our (many) famously perfect Colorado days.
Because of Hidden Valley’s popularity and limited seasonal availability, RMNP requires anyone interested in booking the site to call park services directly for specifics. It’s also worth mentioning that picnic sites may not be occupied for wedding ceremonies.
10. Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater
Maximum occupancy: 30 people + 10 cars
Moraine Park is great for micro-weddings where you’ll have a larger number of guests; the amphitheater’s wooden benches provide seating for up to 30 attendees. The pathway from the ample parking lot is wheelchair accessible and restrooms are available. You can also decorate a bit, as archways are permitted.
Surrounded by ponderosa pines, the amphitheater offers a more traditional structure without sacrificing an outdoorsy vibe. However, this convenience comes at the cost of a little privacy. In other words, you can expect your Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater wedding to encounter a decent number of spectators and a good amount of noise.
You’ll see and hear cars traveling along Bear Lake Road, so midweek is the best time to reserve this spot because of reduced traffic. The surrounding trees will provide shade if you’re looking at summertime dates. And for the best views, let’s take newlywed portraits in some of the many incredibly romantic spots nearby the amphitheater, before or after your ceremony.
Moraine Park Amphitheater (photo courtesy of the National Park Service)
11. Timber Creek Amphitheater
Maximum occupancy: 20 people + 5 cars
Located on the west side of RMNP and close to Grand Lake, the amphitheater is part of Timber Creek Campground, so this location is a fun place to have your guests camp as part of a wedding weekend. It’s also completely wheelchair accessible. This is also a great location if you’re needing a stage for any part of your wedding party’s planned festivities! Leashed dogs are allowed in paved areas, so technically your dog could participate in a ceremony here, if that’s your thing. I really hope that’s your thing, but to be honest, there are much better spots for that than RMNP. Read why below.
Timber Creek Amphitheater (photo courtesy of the National Park Service)
12. Alluvial Fan Bridge
Maximum occupancy: 20 people + 5 cars
There is quite a story attached to this area. Alluvial Fan originally came to be when a dam failed, sending boulders and rocks crashing into the valley, creating its interesting landscape in 1982. In 1985, a trail and bridge were built so visitors could access the picturesque boulder field.
Then in 2013, a massive flood washed away the trail and bridge, but in 2020, the trail and bridge were rebuilt and now serve as one of the park’s official wedding sites.
The trail is wheelchair accessible. The area also has nice views of Horseshoe Park and Hidden Valley, as well as a waterfall above the trail. Though the area’s rocky terrain is certain to add a touch of rustic personality to your ceremony photos, it’s still primarily a boulder-field—in case you’re looking for more of a forest floor or meadow for your Rocky Mountain National Park wedding or elopement.
Alluvial Fan Bridge (photo courtesy of the National Park Service)
Where to Stay Near RMNP + Estes Park Lodging
When it comes to finding a home away from home for your destination elopement weekend, the Rocky Mountain National Park area is a treasure trove. I’ve compiled a list of RMNP/Estes Park vacation rentals to get you inspired or started on your search! With nearly a decade in the wedding industry, I’ve photographed brides getting ready in numerous private homes–and let me tell you: while they may have been super cute, not all of them were ideal for photos! Read on to learn why…
I researched each of these properties before adding them to this list, taking into consideration the lighting, the layout of the space, and the overall aesthetic for the potential photography we might be doing there! Families can spread out (and the betrothed can occupy opposite wings, if needed), and these types of lodging are also perfect for bringing in a private chef for your wedding day dinner! I’ve included a good mix of budget, luxury, and dog-friendly listings–click the big golden button above and start getting inspired!
When a Vrbo listing has caught your eye, scroll down to the “House Rules” to read the hosts’ event policy. Some may charge an extra fee, and pay attention to the limit on guests. While I’ve vetted these properties for their amenities, ambiance, and elopement potential, you’ll definitely want to disclose your plans with your host to ensure you’re not met with any last-minute surprises.
Not all properties permit ceremonies on their grounds, either. That said, find one you love and there’s a good chance the owner will allow you to host the Rocky Mountain micro-wedding of your dreams onsite.
Estes Park Weddings + Elopements
Estes Park, located just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, is one of the loveliest mountain towns you’ll ever see. Whenever I get to visit, either as an elopement photographer or getting some hiking in, I am always charmed by both the town and the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Estes Park is easy to get to as well. It’s only about an hour and a half from Denver International Airport and is close to Boulder and Fort Collins. But since it’s so close to RMNP, you’ll get amazing views of mountain peaks and wildlife. Even outside of the park, you can experience fantastic camping, biking, hiking, and more. In town, there are fabulous restaurants and breweries—more on that below.
Estes Park Wedding Venues
This town has no shortage of wonderful places for a Colorado elopement! I always love working here as an Estes Park elopement photographer because of the spectacular choice of venues. Combine one of these sites with a day of portraits in RMNP and you’ll have it all—the convenience of town AND amazing mountain photos!
YMCA of the Rockies
The YMCA of the Rockies has two wonderful sites for elopements: Sara Smith Chapel and the Overlook. There are multiple places that will work for receptions as well. It also has incredible scenery and lots of wildlife around. You and your guests can stay on-property in cabins, too!
Della Terra Mountain Chateau
The charming stone-walled Della Terra Mountain Chateau is a gorgeous wedding venue with ceremony and reception space. Inside, you’ll appreciate the fireplaces, balconies, and grandiose windows.
Wild Basin Lodge
The outdoor ceremony site at Wild Basin Lodge has built-in bench seating, so no need to rent chairs for your wedding guests! You’ll also enjoy the meadow and mountain views as well as the stunning lodge.
Black Canyon Inn
The ceremony site at Black Canyon Inn is covered so you can get beautiful mountain views with protection from the sun and weather.
Taharaa Mountain Lodge
The Taharaa Mountain Lodge’s lush meadow surrounded by lovely aspens makes for a breathtaking ceremony site. The indoor reception space offers fantastic mountain views through huge windows.
SkyView at Fall River Village
SkyView at Fall River Village is a newer space especially designed to showcase its amazing views. Their Estes Park wedding packages make planning effortless.
The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel was the actual inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining! But it offers so much more with its amazing grounds, scenery, and elegant interiors. Portraits at this iconic property are always stunning. Exchange vows on the lawn before taking glamorous photos in the hotel’s historical architecture. We can also venture into nearby RMNP for a more natural setting.
Photo by Fern M. Lomibao on Unsplash
Estes Park Resort
Have your ceremony at the edge of a shimmering lake at Estes Park Resort then kick up your heels at your indoor reception. Lots of options here with their Estes Park micro-wedding packages.
O’Conner Pavilion
For a more laid back ceremony and reception, the O’Conner Pavilion offers a covered space and picnic area for up to 140 people, although smaller groups are welcome too. It also has a fire pit and you can cater it yourself. This is a great choice for an outdoor micro-wedding in town.
Estes Park Elopement Locations
If you love the natural spaces inside Rocky Mountain National Park but find some of the restrictions don’t fit your plan, then you should definitely read on. I’ve listed some wonderful areas that have worked very well for the couples who have used me as their Colorado elopement photographer, and with the same natural beauty and fewer restrictions (read: they got to include their dog).
Colorado Cheley Camps
Lots of space and privacy here at Colorado Cheley Camps outside of Estes Park and RMNP. You’ll love the way the sun will peek through the aspens and play on the meadows and lake as you exchange vows.
Knoll Willows
Another one of the best places to elope outside of Rocky Mountain National Park is at the open spaces at Knoll Willows. The park has gorgeous views everywhere you look. You can even see the iconic Stanley Hotel from here!
Local BnBs
All kinds of vacation rentals are available in and outside of Estes Park through VRBO. If you’d like to hear about my favorite ones, just reach out!
Things To Do in Estes Park
Estes Park is quaint but offers tons to do for visitors of all ages (and breeds)!
Ghost Tour of the Stanley Hotel
Management and staff do not shy away from the 128-room Stanley Hotel’s spooky connections to one of the most frightening stories of modern time, Stephen King’s The Shining. In fact, the Stanley Hotel, which opened in 1909 is said to be truly haunted by the hotel’s founder, Freelan O. Stanley, among others.
Stanley loved the area from when he spent time there because the fresh air helped his tuberculosis. He and other famous guests, such as Theodore Roosevelt, enjoyed exploring the 35-acre property with its picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains.
As for The Shining, the uncut version of the movie plays in all the guest rooms on a loop. If that isn’t enough to scare you, you can take the hotel’s ghost tour, called the Night Spirit Tour.
Downtown Estes Park Riverwalk
This beautiful and peaceful walk is lined with cute shops and cafes. There are also benches if you’d like to sit for a while and just be. The riverwalk is dog friendly, too!
Estes Park Aerial Tramway
The Estes Park Aerial Tramway takes passengers to the top of Prospect Mountain. Enjoy the views, take fantastic photos, hike one of the trails, or sip something refreshing from the cafe. It’s a blast for kids and adults alike!
Open Air Adventure Park
Get active in one of 30 challenges of varying degrees of difficulty at Open Air Adventure Park, including tightrope walking and obstacle courses. Lots of photo ops here.
Lake Estes
Enjoy the crystal blue waters of Lake Estes by boat, kayak or paddle board. Stroll along the miles of shoreline. Or fish for trout!
Sample local delicacies
You MUST try the handmade taffy and delicious ice-cream from local shops in Estes Park. The kids in your group (and the kid in you) will love these treats.
Fun City
Another great activity for kids, Fun City is an adorable amusement park with all the classic rides like bumper cars and bumper boats. The park is seasonal and weather-dependent in the early spring, but including it in your summer or fall Estes Park elopement plans is usually a safe bet—and a crowd-pleaser.
Alpine Slides
Find your thrills on the Mustang Mountain Coaster with 2,000 feet of twisty turns. Daytime rides will treat you to great views, too! And kids will have a ball on this unique mountain adventure.
Estes Park Eats + Drinks
Besides tons of fun activities and brilliant scenery, Estes Park has delicious restaurants and wonderful breweries. These are some of my favorites!
Claire’s Restaurant and Bar
Claire’s features local cuisine and fantastic views. They have a vegetarian-friendly menu, too, which I really appreciate!
The Egg of Estes
The Egg of Estes is a fantastic breakfast and brunch place. Fresh food (I love their avocado toast) and good service come standard here.
Twin Owls Steakhouse (at Taharaa Mountain Lodge)
Fancy and excellent, Twin Owls Steakhouse would be a great place for your wedding reception or rehearsal dinner. The menu always impresses with steaks, prime rib, and even elk. Delicious!
Rock Cut Brewing Company
The brewmasters at Rock Cut Brewing Company craft tasty beers in all varieties, plus they have a sprawling patio for enjoying warm days. The food is top-notch, too!
Lumpy Ridge Brewing Company
You can find the hugely popular Lumpy Ridge Brewing Company just outside of town in a renovated gas station with lots of ambiance and great views of Lake Estes and the surrounding mountains.
Are Estes Park + RMNP Dog-Friendly?
So, yes and no. It’s a bit challenging to bring your dog into Rocky Mountain National Park since they are mostly limited to parking lot areas and camping grounds. Their pet policy page states in large (read: serious) text, “Pets are prohibited on ALL Rocky Mountain National Park trails, tundra, and meadows,” which is basically… everywhere. That said, pups are allowed:
Along established roads or in parking areas
In established campgrounds and picnic areas
RMNP Rules Regarding Pets:
You may not leave your pet unattended in vehicles if it creates a danger to the animal or if the animal becomes a public nuisance. Pets may not be left tied to vehicles, trees, or other objects.
Pets, more than humans, are susceptible to overheating. Even in the mountains on mild days, temperatures inside vehicles rise quickly, and pets left in vehicles can overheat and die. Cracked windows provide little relief.
Pets are not allowed in any park visitor centers.
Service animals that have been individually trained to perform specific tasks for the benefit of persons with disabilities are allowed in the park, but unfortunately emotional support/therapy animals are not “service animals” under the Americans with Disabilities Act and may not access visitor centers, trails, or other non-motorized areas.
The good news is that in and around Estes Park, dogs have a lot more freedom.
Estes Park welcomes leashed dogs! Dogs are expected to be leashed for their protection and also to prevent them from running after (or from!) wildlife. Yikes!
Take your leashed dog with you on the riverwalk! Many cafes and breweries allow them, too. Estes Park also has a dog park with access to the lake called Estes Valley Dog Park. And for those times and places where it’s best to leave your dog in good hands for the day, here’s my list of reliable dog sitters and a local animal hospital number to have on-hand—but hopefully you’ll never need it.
Elena’s Barking Lot: 970-586-0340 or text (970)-235-2052; elenasbarkinglot@gmail.com
Estes Park Pet Lodge: 970-586-9282; info@EstesParkPetLodge.com
Canine Hair Design & Pet Sitting: 970-586-1988
Animal Hospital of the Rockies: 970-586-4703; info@estesparkpetvet.com
Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions? I’ve got answers!
Where exactly can I have a wedding in Rocky Mountain National Park?
See my map above for exact locations. There are 12 designated sites for your ceremony that must be reserved in advance—well in advance since COVID drastically affected occupancy and scheduling. No one is permitted to marry on the trails or at any old spot you stumble upon and fall in love with (and there will be quite a few).
However, you can have your wedding at the reserved space, then hike your favorite trail to a pretty mountain site to do portraits. If you have your heart set on being out in the backcountry, let’s talk about other locations where that is permitted. For Rocky Mountain National Park wedding venues and elopement sites, those are the rules.
Where are the best places to elope inside Rocky Mountain National Park?
They are all fantastic, but I personally love 3M Curve, Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, and Upper Beaver Meadows. I’d love to chat with you in more detail about why I prefer them if you’re at this stage of planning!
What places are off limits?
Weddings are not permitted at Dream Lake, Trail Ridge Road, or Sky Pond. These locations are beyond beautiful and you may have seen elopement photos taken there. But the actual ceremony either took place at one of the designated sites or was unfortunately illegally held. At any rate, we don’t want to break any park regulations, as they are only in place to protect the parkland. And don’t you want to be able to come back on your 10th, 20th, or 50th anniversaries and still enjoy its beauty?
Are photos permitted anywhere in the park?
As long as the photographed area is a public space or trail, then yes! You can choose to have your engagement, anniversary, elopement, and wedding portraits taken just about anywhere inside the park. Your photographer will need a permit ($50 for a single session or $300 for an annual permit). Because I photograph in RMNP often, I keep my annual permit current so that my couples don’t have to worry about getting one.
How much does it cost?
The wedding permit fee costs $300 to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park at one of the official marriage sites. Any wedding guests driving in separately are required to pay a park entrance fee of $30 per vehicle.
Do many people plan a Rocky Mountain National Park wedding?
RMNP is a super popular place for elopements and weddings. This is why there is a limit on the number of ceremonies permitted inside the park. In 2025, only 60 permits are available monthly from May to October. For November to April, only 40 permits are available each month.
Can we include our dog in our RMNP wedding ceremony?
The Moraine Park Amphitheater is the only park ceremony site where dogs are permitted, but I intentionally am using the word “permitted” instead of “welcomed,” you know what I mean? There are many reasons why dogs aren’t allowed around most of RMNP. A big reason—and the one that keeps me from bringing my pup Coco to the park—is that many large predators like coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions live in the park. While they avoid humans whenever possible, they can become very curious about dogs and even consider them prey. For everyone involved, I say it’s best to leave your dog at home, with a dog sitter or service, or consider another location for your elopement if you can’t imagine eloping without ‘em. (And I’ve got plenty of dog-friendly elopement locations if you need ‘em!)
When should we apply for a RMNP wedding permit?
You have up to one year in advance of your preferred month to apply. Meaning that if you want to elope in September of next year you can put in your application beginning September 1st of this year. The wedding permits are first-come first-served, so the earlier you apply, the more likely you’ll get your date or month. The summer months are the most popular times.
This is one of my favorite spaces in Colorado and I love when I get the chance to photograph in the park.
Importante: RMNP is wildly popular—for good reason. Wedding dates sell out fast here. The good news is there are so many more gorgeous parks and wilderness areas in Colorado and throughout the western United States. So if you don’t get your permit for your preferred dates and need help working through other elopement locations, let me help.
Start Planning Your RMNP Elopement or Intimate Wedding in Estes Park
Ready to get into the nitty gritty of planning your Rocky Mountain National Park elopement? A comprehensive list of the park’s designated wedding locations, along with further guidelines on securing a Rocky Mountain National Park wedding permit, can be found on the National Park Service’s wedding information web page.
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Find out how I can help make that happen!
If you’re ready to get the ball rolling to secure your photographer, that’s great!
You can do that by filling out the form below, by emailing me directly at andrea@andreaengerphotography.com, or by calling or texting me at (720) 739-0784. I look forward to hearing from you!
If you’re still in the research phase, I hear ya! Here are some more resources that my couples have found helpful. I hope you do, too!