What is the best place to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park?

For groups with fewer than 15 guests, 3M Curve is one of the best places to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park due to its dynamic mountain views, relative privacy, and accessibility. For larger groups, Lily Lake Picnic Area or Moraine Park Amphitheater are often better choices because they can accommodate more guests. For a full comparison of ceremony sites, see my complete Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding & Elopement Guide.

What's the parking like at 3M Curve?

Parking at 3M Curve is available in an unmarked pull-off lot on the side of the road with an estimated 10 to 15 spaces. The lot is reasonably sized and it is uncommon for it to be completely full, but during busy summer weekends and peak seasons it can fill quickly. Always plan to arrive early and allow extra time in case you need to wait for a spot or deal with heavier park traffic.

3M Curve is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, which is public land, so even with a wedding permit your ceremony is not fully private and other visitors may be in the general area. However, 3M Curve is somewhat tucked away behind a rock formation and not directly on a main trail, so it usually feels more private than some other ceremony sites. Your permit does not grant exclusive use of the area and you are not allowed to interfere with other visitors' enjoyment of the park. If you want a 100% private ceremony on private land, consider dedicated wedding venues such as the Rocky Mountain Wedding Park.

Is 3M Curve open year-round?

Yes, 3M Curve is generally accessible year-round, and weddings can be held in all seasons. The most popular time for weddings is late spring through fall when conditions are milder and the meadow views are clear of deep snow. In winter, snow and colder temperatures can make the walk to the ceremony spot more challenging, so appropriate footwear and winter gear are important, and conditions should be checked before your wedding day.

How do we access Rocky Mountain National Park with a wedding permit?

Your wedding permit allows you to hold a ceremony at 3M Curve during your approved two-hour time window, but you are still responsible for paying the regular park entry fee for all vehicles and guests. During holidays, summer, and weekends, lines at the entrances can get long, so plan to arrive early and leave plenty of time to get through the gate. Your permit is only valid for access around your ceremony time; if you wish to explore the park at other times or on other days during the timed entry season, you may need additional timed entry reservations.

How does Rocky Mountain National Park timed entry work for weddings?

If your wedding is scheduled during Rocky Mountain National Park's timed entry season, your approved wedding permit allows access to the park around your allotted ceremony time without needing a separate timed entry reservation for that window. However, if you plan to visit the park or your ceremony site outside your permit time on the same day or a different day, you will need to obtain timed entry tickets during the applicable hours. Typically, timed entry is required from late May through mid-October, with specific time blocks for Bear Lake Road and the rest of the park. Be sure to review the current timed entry rules on the official Rocky Mountain National Park website before your visit.

3M Curve Wedding & Elopement Guide for 2026

Hey there! My name’s Iver Marjerison.
I’m a professional micro-wedding planner in Colorado, and over the years I’ve planned hundreds of small weddings and elopements. Here’s everything you need to know about getting married at 3M Curve, in Rocky Mountain National Park.

3M Curve is one of the most iconic and accessible elopement locations in Rocky Mountain National Park, offering sweeping views of Longs Peak, Moraine Park, and the classic alpine scenery that makes RMNP a top destination for Colorado weddings. Located just minutes from Estes Park (along Bear Lake Road), this ceremony site provides dramatic panoramic overlooks, easy parking, and year-round accessibility—making it a favorite for couples seeking a stunning, stress-free elopement spot. In this 3M Curve Elopement Guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about permits, weather, timing, group size rules, and our best photography tips for planning your dream wedding in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Professional Opinion:
I’ve planned and officiated hundreds of weddings in RMNP over the years, and 3M Curve is one of my favorite spots! However, if you want seating, privacy, or have more than 12 guests, it’s not going to work. Don’t worry though! There’s lots of good options for small weddings in this area.

Text or Email me the word “info” for my full list of Colorado wedding spots!
Iver@ColoradoMicroWeddings.com
720-598-2862

Everything You Need to Know About Getting Married at 3M Curve

Why Choose 3M Curve

How-To Book a Wedding at 3M Curve

Best Day, Time, and Month

Accessibility & Facilities

3M Curve FAQs

Where to Stay Nearby

Other Colorado Elopement Packages & Guides

Why Choose 3M Curve for Your Wedding?

Elevation: ~7522
Guest Limits: 15 people total in your group-this includes all vendors!
Permit Fee: $300
Accessibility: Year Round, 3min hike from parking
Distance from DIA:~1 Hour 45 Minute
Nearest Town: Estes Park

While our favorite part of this site is the scenic views it offers, we love 3M Curve inside of Rocky Mountain National Park for a variety of reasons. 3M Curve sits at a lower elevation than some other designated ceremony sites in the park, making it one of the easier sites to access. While weather can never be predicted, typically weather conditions will be more mild than other site options like Sprague Lake or Bear Lake which sit over 1,000 feet higher in elevation than 3M Curve. One of the key features of 3M curve that is that its a little off the beaten path, while still remaining fairly accessible. The parking lot isn’t marked and the actual site sits behind a large rock formation creating a bit of privacy from the road. 3M curve allows groups of up to 15 people for weddings, allowing you the option to invite your closest people to celebrate with you surrounded by nature.

How-To Book a Wedding at 3M Curve

Rocky Mountain National Park requires a $300 special use permit for any weddings or other events in the park. Any vow exchange, ring exchange or anything that can be recognized as a ceremony (even without a photographer or officiant) requires this special use permit. Ceremonies are only allowed in sites designated by the park and each permit is for a 2 hour time slot. Dates for permits become available one year in advance. The National Park Service manages these permits all year round with dates from May-October selling out quickly. Click here to learn more about getting an RMNP wedding permit.

Need Help Planning Your 3M Curve Wedding?

Colorado MicroWeddings
7+ Years of Service | 500+ Five Star Reviews
As a certified wedding planner with Rocky Mountain National Park, I can get you a discount permit, coordinate your vendors, and plan your day!
Planning - $500
RMNP Permit - $250 (discount!)
Photographer - $635
Officiant - $435
Flowers - $100
Videographer - $1035
Hair & Makeup - $550

All-Inclusive Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding & Elopement Packages
(click here!)

Best Day, Time, and Month

The best option is to get married at 3M Curve at sunrise or sunset, on a Monday or Tuesday, sometime between mid-June and mid-October.

What’s the Best Month to Get Married at 3M Curve?

Rocky Mountain National Park is beautiful all year around, and we do weddings there all year around. Personal preference matters. Generally speaking, Mid-June thru Mid-October is “Peak” wedding season in Colorado for the good weather and conditions, but Estes Park is very busy during this time, so plan to book lodging and dining in advance. If you want a winter wonderland, January - April would be best, but keep in mind Estes Park has no ski resorts, so winters are very slow up there, with many businesses closing (which is nice if you are looking to have less people around!).

January - April = Good for winter/snow weddings (Estes Park very slow)
Mid June - Mid October = Good for non-winter weddings (Estes Park very busy)
May = Often Muddy (but you beat the summer traffic)
End of Sep & Early Oct = Fall Colors (not so much at 3M, but in the area)

What’s the Best Time of Day to Get Married at 3M Curve?

3M curve has no natural shade, so the best option for photo lighting is to opt for right at sunrise, or a couple hours before sunset, simply Google “Sunset Estes Park [your date]” to see the time.

What’s the Best Day of the Week to Get Married at 3M Curve?

The best day of the week to elope at 3M curve is Tuesday or Wednesday, which are the least busy days in the park—it’s always nice to beat the crowds!

Accessibility and Facilities

This site is basically an extended shoulder off the site of the road, 3M curve does not have any restrooms or facilities. For restroom use, we recommend visiting the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center before entering the park.

The 3M Curve parking lot is a short drive from both the Beaver Meadow and the Fall River entrances on the east side of the park. The parking lot is an unmarked pull of lot with an estimated 10-15 parking spaces.

3M has a reasonably sized parking lot. It's unusual for it to be completely full, but always leave extra time in case you need to wait for a spot on weekends and busy months. The most sought after ceremony spot is a natural rock platform that overlooks the meadow. That formation is roughly a 5-10 minute walk from the parking lot, the walk starts on a trail on either side of the large rock formation that sits at the parking lot. Typically, the trail west of the rock formation is more accessible.

While the trail is relatively short, this area is not wheelchair accessible. The trail is unmarked and unpaved. We recommended proper footwear for everyone in your group. We do not recommend this spot for guest with severe mobility impairment. In seasons where you can expect snow (Oct-May) be aware that the trail may pose extra difficulty being covered in snow or ice.

Additionally, as this is a national park, there are some restrictions in place. No amplified sound is allowed in the area, and you’ll want to keep your ceremony simple and respectful of the surrounding environment. The 3M Curve site does not allow arches, decorations, releasing real or synthetic flower petals nor is smoking allowed. Make sure you are abiding by Leave No Trace principles.

3M Curve FAQs

What is the best place to get married in RMNP?

For groups with less than 15 guests, 3M curve is the best spot to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park, due to it’s dynamic mountain views, relative privacy, and accessibility. For larger groups, the best spot is Lily Lake Picnic Area, or Moraine Park Amphitheater. Click here for my full Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding & Elopement Guide.

What’s the best place for photos at 3M Curve?

There is a designated outcropping of boulders at 3M Curve that makes the perfect wedding ceremony site. After the ceremony, you can do additional photos in the meadow area below, as well as the forest near the parking.

How’s the weather at 3M Curve?

Colorado mountain weather can be unpredictable, even in the summer, so it's always a good idea to prepare accordingly, embrace inclement weather or have a backup plan. Proper preparation can look like shoe backups, layers, thermals or umbrellas. It's important to ensure all your guests are in the know, especially when coming from out of town. Weather can change rapidly, so always be prepared!
Click here for monthly Estes park weather

What’s the parking like?

Parking is available at 3M Curve, but may fill up quickly during weekends on busy summer months. Be sure to arrive early to ensure you have a spot.

Is 3M Curve Private?

Even with a wedding permit, RMNP is a public national park and people may be in the area. Honestly, at 3M curve this isn’t a big deal, as the trails don’t lead right by it. Some of the other locations on busy days can have a lot of people around though. If you want a 100% private ceremony, checkout the: “Rocky Mountain Wedding Park” - Click here for info

Is 3M curve open all year around?

3M Curve is open year-round, but the most popular time for weddings is in the warmer months (late spring to fall). During winter, snow and colder temperatures may limit access to some areas..

How is the foot traffic at 3M curve?

Typically, visitors will allow couples privacy but tourist foot traffic is always a risk when getting married in public lands. While tourists are usually respectful and give some space, wedding parties are not allowed to interfere with guests' visit to the park. Your wedding permit does not grant you exclusive access to any area.

Is there wildlife at 3M Curve?

Rocky Mountain National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and even the occasional moose. Always be cautious and aware of your surroundings. DO NOT approach or feed any wildlife.

How much does it cost to elope at 3M Curve?

Rocky Mountain National Park requires a $300 special usage permit for all weddings, the only additional cost of the photographer, officiant, and marriage license. Colorado MicroWeddings has an All-Inclusive Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Package starting at $1800.

How do we access RMNP with a wedding permit?

Even with a permit, you will still be responsible for paying the park entry fee. During holidays, summer and weekends, lines into the park can get long! Be sure to plan accordingly and leave plenty of time to gain access to Rocky Mountain National Park. Your wedding permit is only good for access around your time slot. If you are looking to visit the park on a different time or day, you will need timed entry tickets May 23rd-October 13th.

How does RMNP “Timed Entry” work for weddings?

Your wedding permit allows you access to the park around your allotted time. If you are planning on checking out the park or your wedding site beforehand, you will need timed entry tickets May 23rd-October 13th from 9AM-2PM, or 5AM-6PM for Bear Lake access. Before your visit, read all about the timed entry system HERE.

Where to Stay in Estes Park

Lodging opportunities are endless near Rocky Mountain Park. Two main entrances of the park sit bordered next to the popular tourist destination Estes Park. Estes Park has options for every type of lodging including luxury cabins, a historic stay at the Stanley Hotel or the endless unique lodging options on AirBnB + Vrbo. If you are planning on a Sprague Lake wedding, Estes Park will be your closest option!

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