Moraine Park Amphitheater Wedding & Elopement Guide for 2026
Hey there! My name’s Iver Marjerison.
I’m a Colorado-based micro-wedding planner and officiant, 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 Moraine Park Amphitheater in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Moraine Park Amphitheater is one of the most popular and accessible ceremony locations in Rocky Mountain National Park, known for its intimate wooded vibes, surrounding mountain peaks, and built-in seating that works well for small weddings and elopements. Located in the Moraine Park area of RMNP near Estes Park, this outdoor amphitheater offers a true national park setting while still being relatively easy for guests to reach.
Like all wedding locations inside Rocky Mountain National Park, Moraine Park Amphitheater has specific rules around permits, guest counts, ceremony timing, photography, and seasonal access. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how weddings actually work here so you can decide if this location is a good fit and avoid common planning mistakes.
Not Sure What RMNP Location is Best?
Checkout our Full RMNP Elopement Guide Here
Moraine Park Guide:
How Weddings and Elopements Work Moraine Park Amphitheater
Short version: The Moraine Park Amphitheater is a reservable ceremony-only venue. It is the only wedding site in RMNP that is fully private, has designated parking, allows dogs (on a leash), and has seating.
As a professional micro-wedding planner, this is my favorite spot in the park for groups that want privacy and accessibility, and don’t mind not having mountain views for the ceremony. Don’t worry — you can always get photos nearby after the ceremony!
Pros & Cons of Getting Married at Moraine Park Amphitheater
Pros:
Only private wedding site in RMNP
Only wedding site in RMNP that allows dogs (on a leash).
Only wedding site in RMNP with seating.
Natural beauty - no decorations needed!
Intimate wooded vibe.
Plenty of places nearby to take beautiful mountain portraits.
Easy parking, paved trail, very accessible.
Cons:
No mountain views.
How-To Plan a Wedding at Moraine Park Amphitheater
Pick a date and time
Sunrise or sunset is always best for photos! Learn the best time to get married in Colorado.Secure your RMNP wedding permit
You need to secure your permit directly from the park (click here), unless you’re working with a designated wedding planner (like me!).Checkout our All-Inclusive Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Packages
Hire your vendors
After the venue is booked, you can coordinate your officiant, photographer, and any additional vendors, making sure they comply with venue guidelines.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
This is handled through the county and is required for the ceremony to be legally binding. Lean about How-To Get Legally Married in Colorado.
Need Help Planning Your RMNP Wedding?
Colorado MicroWeddings
7+ Years of Service | 500+ Five Star Reviews
I can help you find the best spot, coordinate your vendors, and plan your day!
Planning - $500
Photographer - $635
Officiant - $435
Flowers - $125
Videographer - $1035
Hair & Makeup - $550
All-Inclusive RMNP Wedding & Elopement Packages
(Click Here)
Moraine Park Amphitheater Wedding Rules
—Max group size is 30
—Alcohol only allowed at designated campground sites
—-Dogs must be on a leash
—-Designated parking onsite, but NOT reserved
—-There is no electricity
—-No throwing flowers, confetti, etc.
Moraine Park Amphitheater Wedding FAQs
Best Time of Year to Get Married in Rocky Mountain National Park
Peak wedding season in Rocky Mountain National Park runs from mid-June through mid-October. During this window, park access is most reliable, snow is unlikely at lower elevations, and conditions are ideal for outdoor ceremonies like those at Moraine Park Amphitheater.
That said, weddings in RMNP happen year-round, and each season has its own appeal. February and March typically see the most snow, creating a true winter landscape that can be stunning if you’re prepared for cold temperatures and limited access. Spring and early summer bring greener meadows, while fall offers crisp air and golden tones.
Best Time of Day for a Moraine Park Amphitheater Wedding
Sunrise and sunset are both the best times of day for weddings in RMNP when it comes to lighting and overall atmosphere.
Sunrise offers softer light, fewer people in the park, and a quieter feel. Sunset can also be beautiful, especially with warm evening light across Moraine Park.
Because Moraine Park Amphitheater is a permitted ceremony location, you’re not competing for space in the same way you would be at informal trail locations. That makes timing a bit more flexible here compared to other RMNP ceremony spots.
Best Day of the Week to Get Married in RMNP
Tuesday or Wednesday are the best days of the week for a wedding in Rocky Mountain National Park. These mid-week days typically see the least traffic, lighter parking congestion, and fewer visitors overall compared to weekends.
If you want a calmer experience for you and your guests—especially during peak season—choosing a weekday ceremony makes a noticeable difference.
Do you need a permit to get married at Moraine Park Amphitheater?
Yes. A Rocky Mountain National Park Special Use Permit is required for weddings, elopements, vow renewals, and similar ceremonies inside RMNP, including Moraine Park Amphitheater. You must apply for and receive the permit before your event.
How much does a wedding permit cost in Rocky Mountain National Park?
The administrative fee for a Rocky Mountain National Park wedding permit is $300. The permit application is reviewed by the park, and payment instructions are provided once the permit is approved.
When can you apply for a Moraine Park Amphitheater wedding permit?
Applications are accepted one year in advance of your desired wedding month, with review beginning on the first day of that month. For example, to get married in June 2026, you could apply beginning June 1, 2025.
Are there limits on how many weddings are allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Yes. RMNP limits the number of permitted ceremonies. Typically, no more than 60 weddings per month from May through October and 40 per month from November through April can be approved, and no more than two weddings per day at any one site.
How many guests can you have at a Moraine Park Amphitheater wedding?
Each ceremony location in RMNP has its own group size limit. Moraine Park Amphitheater generally allows up to 30 people total, including the couple, guests, officiant, and vendors.
Is Moraine Park Amphitheater private for weddings?
No. All RMNP wedding locations remain open to other park visitors. Exclusive use is not permitted, and you must share the space with other hikers and visitors.
Are there restrictions on decorations and ceremony items?
Yes. RMNP wedding permits restrict or prohibit items like elaborate decorations, tents, tables, generators, and thrown materials. Only minimal items (like bouquets or a few chairs for those who cannot stand) are allowed, and nothing may be attached to natural features.
Do you need a park entrance pass in addition to a wedding permit?
Yes. Normal park entrance fees (or a valid annual pass) still apply for all vehicles associated with your wedding, even if your wedding permit covers your timed entry for the ceremony window.
Can you take photos elsewhere in the park after the ceremony?
Yes. Once your permit is finalized (signed and paid), it serves as written approval to stay in the park before and after your ceremony for photography. You can visit other locations elsewhere in RMNP for portraits without an additional permit during your permit’s date.
Are drones allowed during a Moraine Park Amphitheater wedding?
No. Drones are prohibited anywhere in Rocky Mountain National Park, including during wedding ceremonies and portrait sessions.
Do vendors need separate permits for RMNP weddings?
No. Your wedding permit covers photography, officiating, and other vendor activities. Vendors do not need individual special use permits, but your permit must list them and you are responsible for their compliance with park rules.
Colorado Micro-Wedding & Elopement Packages
Starting at $1,300
—Officiant (starting at $300)
—Photography (starting at $500)
—Videography (starting at $900)
—Flowers (starting at $100)
—Wedding Planner (starting at $500)
Everything you need for a beautiful and stress-free small wedding!
All-Inclusive | 100% Customizable | 0 - 80 Guests
Vendors | Venues | Marriage License | Permits | Dining | Lodging
Looking for Other Location Options?
This guide is part of our Colorado Small Wedding & Elopement Guides
View All Location Guides
Want Help Planning Your Colorado Small Wedding?
If you’d like help coordinating permits, logistics, and vendors, you can also explore our all-inclusive options.
View All-Inclusive Elopement Packages
