Simple: 3M Curve Wedding Guide & Tips
Everything you need to know about getting married at 3M Curve in Rocky Mountain National Park.

3M Curve is one of my favorite Colorado elopement locations for endless reasons. As one of the most private designated sites for weddings inside the park, this site boasts rugged rock formations surrounding a vast open meadow and expansive views of the rocky mountains. Let’s dig into every detail so you can decide if this dream location is the perfect fit for your celebration.

Why Choose 3M Curve for Your Wedding?

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.

Quick Stats:

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

How-To Book a Wedding at 3M Curve

Rocky Mountain National Park requires a 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.

The permit cost is a non refundable $300 administrative fee and can be applied for by submitting their application to romo_fees_permits@nps.gov

Want some help?
I can get your permit, coordinate your vendors, and plan your day!
Planning - $500
RMNP Permit - $225 (discount!)
Photographer - $635
Officiant - $435
Flowers - $100
Videographer - $1035
Hair & Makeup - $550
Text me the word “info” for more info!
720-598-2862

Pro Tips:

What’s the Best Place to Get Married in Rocky Mountain National Park?
In terms of privacy (it’s not private, but not a super popular area) and mountain views, 3M curve is the best spot in Rocky Mountain National Park for groups of l5 or less. If you have a group of this size, but want water, Sprague Lake is awesome (but has a lot of people around). If you have a larger group, Lily Lake Picnic is my favorite.

Want a 100% private ceremony?
Checkout the “Rocky Mountain Wedding Park”
Click here for info

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?
This location 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.

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.

Where to Stay

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!

Important Considerations

Weather: 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!
Parking: 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.
Privacy: 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
Time of Year: 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..
Foot Traffic: 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.
Wildlife: 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.
Park Access: 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.
Timed Entry: 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.

Colorado Micro-Wedding & Elopement Packages
Starting at $1,300

Learn more

Simple: 3M Curve Wedding Guide & TipsEverything you need to know about getting married at 3M Curve in Rocky Mountain National Park.