Pass Lake at Loveland Pass | Wedding & Elopement Guide for 2026
Hey there! My name’s Iver Marjerison.
I’m a Colorado micro-wedding planner, and over the years I’ve helped plan hundreds of small weddings and elopements across the state. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting married at Pass Lake, near Loveland Pass.
Pass Lake at Loveland Pass is one of the most beautiful small wedding and elopement locations in Colorado, known for its alpine lake setting, mountain views, and easy roadside access. Located just down the road from the popular Loveland Pass overlook, this White River National Forest site has become a favorite for intimate ceremonies. This guide breaks down how weddings and elopements actually work at Pass Lake — including permits, guest limits, best times of day, parking, and the real pros and cons couples should understand before choosing this location.
Professional Opinion:
I’ve planned hundreds of weddings at Pass Lake over the years, and it’s definitely a beautiful place for a small wedding! However, keep in mind, this is a high altitude location with volatile weather, and requires 10 - 15mins of walking on unmaintained trails to get to the good spots. Additionally, in recent years, it’s become increasingly popular (even with large groups) which often results in multiple weddings at the same time, and limited parking.
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Text or Email me the word “info” to learn about all the spots we use!
Iver@ColoradoMicroWeddings.com
720-598-2862
Everything You Need to Know About Getting Married at Loveland Pass, Pass Lake
Pass Lake is located on White River National Forest land in Summit County, Colorado, just off the road from the Loveland Pass summit. As national forest land, small weddings and elopements are generally allowed without a permit, though group size limits and photography permit requirements may apply.
Elevation: ~11,834 ft
Accessibility: Mid-June through Mid-October—and all winter if you want to do a snowshoe adventure wedding!
Distance from Denver International Airport: Estimated 1.5 hours
Nearest Town: Denver & Breckenridge are both about an hour
Pros: It has beautiful mountain views just a short walk from the parking lot. The area is also large enough that small groups can hike in a bit to get away from the crowds.
Cons: This is a high alpine environment with volatile weather conditions, and can often times be quite windy. The area is also quite popular for both sightseeing and weddings, and tends to have other people in the area—on busy days the parking can get very limited.
Planning & Marriage License
Getting married at Loveland Pass, Pass Lake, is fairly simple, just make a timeline, get the marriage license, and secure any needed vendors, like photographer, officiant, etc.
Jump to How-To Get Married
Permits & Max Group Size
Loveland Pass is best suited for very small, low-impact ceremonies. While the White River National Forest only requires a permit for groups of 75+ people, Leave No Trace principles and on-the-ground realities strongly favor groups of six guests or fewer. Larger groups often create parking issues, crowding, and environmental damage in this fragile alpine area. All ceremonies must remain leave-no-trace, with no arches, decorations, or disturbance to the natural landscape.
Jump to Permits & Group Size
Best Day, Month, and Time
The best option is a Tuesday or Wednesday, Mid June through Mid October, at sunrise. This is for optimal lighting, and when the area is least busy. However, sunset lighting is also very nice at this location!
Jump to Best Month, Day & Time
Good to Know
Loveland Pass is not handicap accessible. Dogs are allowed (leash recommended but not required). Throwing flowers is not allowed. Chairs and decorations are not allowed. Lots more info…
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I’ve got planning guides, packages, and resources for all the best small wedding and elopement locations across Colorado.
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How-to Plan a Wedding at Loveland Pass
Pick a date and time
This part is really up to you! Checkout this section below for the best day, time, and month to get married at Loveland Pass.Hire your vendors
Once you have a date/time in mind, you can find any vendors that you want like: officiant, photographer, florist, videographer, etc., and make sure they comply with White River National Forest guidelines. Click here to learn about our All-Inclusive Loveland Pass Elopement Packages.Finalize logistics and timeline
Leading up to the wedding, you’ll confirm arrival times, and plans for the day with your vendors and guests.Obtain your Colorado marriage license
Colorado makes getting a marriage license simple! You and your fiance simply need to go into a Colorado County Clerk during business hours to pick up the license. Denver and Breckenridge have their own office, but they are difficult to work with. I suggest finding another County Clerk nearby. Here’s my full Colorado Marriage License Guide.Get Married!
On the day of the wedding, you and your guests will meet your wedding vendors at Pass Lake (the parking is just down the road from the main Loveland Pass Overlook). You’ll have the ceremony, sign the license, take photos, and then most groups simply head to a local restaurant to celebrate!
Wedding Permits & Max Group Sizes for Loveland Pass
Professional Micro-Wedding Planner Opinion:
You should not have a wedding or elopement at Loveland Pass, Pass Lake, with more than six guests. This is a popular destination with limited parking, tight trails, and no restrooms or facilities. In my experience with this location, larger groups tend to disturb other visitors, have difficulty parking, and—in some unfortunate cases—negatively impact the environment by trampling vegetation and/or creating waste. I always suggest that groups with ten or more guests avoid National Forest land, and instead find a designated ceremony site for a more comfortable day.
Looking for a beautiful mountain ceremony site with 10+ guests?
Checkout Windy Point (Breckenridge)
Checkout Sapphire Point (Breckenridge)
Checkout Rocky Mountain Wedding Park (Estes Park)
Text or Email me the word “info” to learn about all the spots we use!
Iver@ColoradoMicroWeddings.com
720-598-2862
Leave No Trace:
Leave No Trace (a widely used outdoor ethics framework designed to protect natural areas) does not set a specific maximum group size for Loveland Pass, but it strongly encourages very small groups (2-6 people) in fragile alpine environments to minimize crowding, vegetation damage, and impacts to other visitors.
White River national Forest:
The White River National Forest does not publish rules specific to weddings or elopements. Instead, ceremonies are regulated under general National Forest use guidelines. A Special Use Permit is required for non-commercial group events with 75 or more participants or spectators. In addition, the Forest Service may require a separate Commercial Use Permit for wedding vendors—such as an officiant, photographer, or videographer—depending on whether those vendors are being paid and whether their activities are considered commercial services on National Forest System land.
Regardless of group size or permit requirements, all ceremonies must comply with White River National Forest resource-protection rules. These prohibit installing arches, structures, or decorations; attaching items to vegetation or rocks; moving or disturbing natural features; and damaging alpine tundra or other sensitive environments. Events must remain leave-no-trace, use only durable surfaces, and avoid any actions that alter or impact the natural setting.
Best Month, Day & Time
The best option is to get married at Loveland Pass early in the morning on a Monday or Tuesday, sometime between mid-June and mid-October.
What’s the Best Month?
The best month to get married at Loveland Pass is anytime mid-June through mid-October, this is “Peak” wedding season in Colorado for the good weather and conditions. Anytime from late-October through early-June snow is possible, and there are often muddy conditions in early June.
Checkout my full guide on The Best Month to Elope in Colorado
What’s the Best Time of Day?
Loveland Pass has no natural shade, so the best option for photo lighting is to opt for right at sunrise, or a couple hours before sunset. Keep in mind the sunsets early at this location because of the mountains, your photographer should know how to optimize the ceremony time based on your date!
Checkout my full guide on The Best Time of Day to Elope in Colorado
What’s the Best Day of the Week?
The best day of the week to elope at Loveland Pass is Tuesday or Wednesday, which are the least busy days in the area—it’s always nice to beat the crowds!
Loveland Pass Wedding FAQs
What is the best month to elope at Loveland Pass?
The best time to elope at Loveland Pass is mid-June through mid-October, which is peak wedding season in Colorado with the most reliable weather and conditions. From late October through early June, snow is possible, and early June often brings muddy conditions.
What time of day is best for a Loveland Pass elopement?
Since Loveland Pass has no natural shade, the best lighting for photos is right at sunrise or a couple hours before sunset. Keep in mind the sun sets early at this location due to the surrounding mountains—your photographer should know how to optimize your ceremony time based on your specific date.
What day of the week should I schedule my Loveland Pass elopement?
Tuesday or Wednesday are the least busy days in the area, making them ideal for beating the crowds and having a more intimate experience.
How do I get to Loveland Pass?
Loveland Pass is located on US Highway 6, about 60 miles west of Denver. From Denver, take I-70 West to Exit 216 (US-6 / Loveland Pass), then follow US-6 up the winding mountain road to the summit. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours from Denver, though conditions can vary. It's a fully paved road—no 4WD required.
How do I get to Pass Lake at Loveland Pass?
Pass Lake is located just down the road from the main Loveland Pass overlook. From the summit parking area, head east on US-6 for about half a mile. You'll find a small pull-off area near the trailhead. The hike to the alpine lakes takes approximately 10 minutes, though the trail is rough and unmaintained.
How high is Loveland Pass, and will altitude be a problem?
Loveland Pass sits at 11,990 feet elevation, making it one of the highest paved mountain passes in Colorado. Altitude affects everyone differently—some people feel fine while others may experience headaches, shortness of breath, or fatigue. Hydration is key, and arriving in Colorado a few days before your elopement helps your body acclimate. Keep in mind that the hike to Pass Lake, while only about 10 minutes, involves physical exertion on rough, unmaintained trails that can be challenging at this elevation.
Do I need a permit to elope at Loveland Pass?
For small elopements, typically no permit is required. The White River National Forest requires a Special Use Permit for non-commercial group events with 75 or more participants. However, the Forest Service may require a Commercial Use Permit for paid wedding vendors such as photographers, videographers, or officiants, depending on whether their activities are considered commercial services on National Forest land.
How many guests can I bring to a Loveland Pass elopement?
While there's no official limit for small ceremonies, keeping your guest count to six or fewer is strongly recommended. Loveland Pass is a popular destination with limited parking, tight trails, and no restrooms or facilities. Larger groups tend to disturb other visitors, have difficulty parking, and can negatively impact the fragile alpine environment.
What if I have more than 10 guests for my ceremony?
Groups of 10 or more should consider a designated ceremony site instead of National Forest land. Great alternatives include Windy Point in Breckenridge, Sapphire Point in Breckenridge, or the Rocky Mountain Wedding Park in Estes Park—all offering beautiful mountain settings with better accommodations for larger groups.
Can I set up an arch or decorations at Loveland Pass?
No. White River National Forest rules prohibit installing arches, structures, or decorations; attaching items to vegetation or rocks; moving or disturbing natural features; and damaging alpine tundra. All ceremonies must remain leave-no-trace and use only durable surfaces.
Is alcohol allowed at Loveland Pass elopements?
Alcohol is generally allowed on White River National Forest land unless restricted by a site-specific Forest Order. Any alcohol consumption must remain low-key, legal, and leave-no-trace.
Are there restrooms or facilities at Loveland Pass?
No. There are no restrooms or facilities at Loveland Pass. Plan accordingly and practice leave-no-trace principles.
How long does a Loveland Pass elopement ceremony take?
Most elopement ceremonies at Loveland Pass take about 10–15 minutes. Of course, this can vary depending on your vows, readings, or any special elements you want to include.
Is Loveland Pass crowded?
Yes, Loveland Pass is a popular destination that sees a lot of visitors, tour groups, and other weddings—especially during peak season and weekends. Choosing a weekday and arriving early in the morning gives you the best chance at a more private experience.
What should I wear for a Loveland Pass elopement?
Wear functional footwear you can walk in comfortably on uneven terrain, and bring multiple layers. Be prepared for wind, cold, mud, and rain—mountain weather can change quickly. An umbrella is also a good idea for unexpected showers.
What's the weather like at Loveland Pass?
At nearly 12,000 feet, Loveland Pass experiences true alpine conditions. Even in summer, temperatures can range from the 40s to 60s°F, with colder wind chills. Afternoon thunderstorms are common from June through August, and weather can change rapidly—you might experience sunshine, wind, rain, and even snow all in the same day. Always check the forecast and prepare for anything.
Is there cell service at Loveland Pass?
Cell service at Loveland Pass tends to be very limited. Plan on not having it and make sure your photographer, officiant, and any guests know the meeting location in advance.
Where are the best spots for photos at Loveland Pass?
Pass Lake is just down the road from the main overlook and features several stunning alpine lakes that make for incredible photos. At the top of Loveland Pass, the iconic summit sign is also a fun spot for photos marking your elevation and the moment.
Can I elope at Loveland Pass in winter?
Yes, winter elopements at Loveland Pass are possible. The pass is typically covered in snow from late October through early June. You'll need snowshoes to access most areas, and conditions can be more challenging, but a snowy alpine elopement can be absolutely stunning.
How far in advance should I book my Loveland Pass elopement?
The sooner the better to secure your preferred date, but last-minute elopements are common and often possible depending on availability.
What happens if it rains or storms on my elopement day?
Outdoor weddings at locations like Loveland Pass can be tricky with weather, but with umbrellas and a good attitude, you can work around it. Colorado rain often comes and goes quickly, so you can wait out the worst of it in the car and catch a break in the clouds.
Are dogs allowed at Loveland Pass elopements?
Yes, dogs are allowed at Loveland Pass. No leash is required, but keeping your pup leashed is recommended for their safety and to minimize impact on the alpine environment.
Can we do a first look somewhere else and then just do the ceremony at Loveland Pass?
Absolutely. There are nice locations nearby for a first look, including a wooded area toward the base of the mountain that offers a completely different vibe before heading up to the alpine summit for your ceremony.
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