Rocky Mountain National Park 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 in Rocky Mountain National Park.
This complete RMNP wedding & elopement guide covers everything you need to know, including current park rules, permit requirements, FAQs, step-by-step instructions for getting married in RMNP, and the best time of year, day, and season to plan your ceremony. You’ll also find the best wedding and elopement sites in Rocky Mountain National Park, the top photo spots for stunning mountain portraits, and helpful recommendations for reception venues and lodging near Estes Park.
Here’s the SUPER SIMPLE rundown: Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular wedding destinations in Colorado, and offers a variety of scenic ceremony sites for groups of up to 30 people. In order to get married in the park, all you have to do is secure an RMNP wedding permit. Beyond that, everything else is optional, but most people hire an officiant and photographer. On the day of the wedding, you simply show up to your ceremony site, exchange vows, kiss, take photos, and then head to a local restaurant to celebrate!
Everything You Need to Know About Getting Married in Rocky Mountain National Park
RMNP Wedding Permit Info & Steps
The Pros & Cons Parts of RMNP Weddings
The Best Day, Time, Month, and Season
Want Someone Else to Plan Your Wedding?
All-Inclusive Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Packages
Starting at $1,800
—Officiant (starting at $435)
—Photography (starting at $635)
—Videography (starting at $1035)
—Flowers (starting at $100)
—Wedding Planner (starting at $500)
— RMNP Permit ($250 with my $75 discount)
Prices above include ALL travel fees!
Everything you need for a beautiful and stress-free small wedding!
All-Inclusive | 100% Customizable | 0 - 25 Guests
Vendors | Venues | Marriage License | Permits | Dining | Lodging
Click Here to Learn About Our All-Inclusive RMNP Elopement Packages
RMNP Wedding Permit Info
All weddings and elopements in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) require a $300 Special Use Permit, regardless of guest count, location, or time of year. The permit is issued by the National Park Service and is required for all approved ceremony sites near Estes Park and Grand Lake, Colorado. Permits help the park manage visitor impact, protect natural resources, and prevent conflicts with regular park traffic. A permit must be approved before your ceremony takes place — same-day permits are not allowed.
How to Get a RMNP Wedding Permit (Step-by-Step):
Choose Your Ceremony Location
Select from Rocky Mountain National Park’s approved wedding and elopement sites. Each site has its own guest limit, time restrictions, and accessibility rules.Pick a Ceremony Date & Backup Date
You’ll need a primary date and a backup date in case of weather, closures, or availability issues.Submit the Special Use Permit Application
Complete the RMNP wedding permit application through the park’s official website. Applications are accepted up to one year in advance.Pay the Non-Refundable Permit Fee
Rocky Mountain National Park charges a non-refundable permit fee (separate from your entrance pass).Wait for Approval from RMNP
Processing times vary by season and demand. Summer and fall permits near Estes Park fill quickly, so early application is strongly recommended!
How to Plan a Wedding in Rocky Mountain National Park
Getting married in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) involves a few specific planning steps, including securing a National Park Service wedding permit, booking your vendors, obtaining a Colorado marriage license, creating the optimal day-of wedding timeline, and preparing for the park’s rules, weather, and logistics.
Step 1: Get Your RMNP Wedding Permit Approved (info above)
Your first step is securing your Rocky Mountain National Park Special Use Permit (details covered in the section above).
Step 2: Hire Your Key Wedding Vendors
Once your permit is in progress or approved, book your core vendors. All of these are technically optional, but commonly used.
Photographer
Officiant
Planner or coordinator (optional but helpful)
Flowers, Video, Hair & Makeup Stylist, Etc.
Need Vendors? - RMNP Elopement Package Starting at $1,800
Step 3: Get Your Colorado Marriage License
You’ll obtain your marriage license from any Colorado County Clerk & Recorder, most commonly Larimer County. Colorado marriage licenses:
May be issued same-day (or up to 35 days in advance)
Have no waiting period
Do not require witnesses
Do not require an officiant if you plan to self-solemnize
Step 4: Finalize Your Ceremony Timeline
Work backward from your ceremony time to plan:
Hair & makeup / getting ready
“First Look” (if applicable)
Arrival at the ceremony site (generally 15-30mins before the ceremony)
Ceremony start time
Group photo time
Couple’s portrait session
Reception start time
Step 5: Prepare for RMNP Rules & Conditions
Weather can change rapidly in the mountains, so always plan layers, and watch road conditions. Before your wedding day, make sure everyone understands:
Group size limits
Parking restrictions
No chairs, arches, or décor
No amplified sound
Leave No Trace rules
Step 6: Get Married & File Your License
On the day of the wedding, you’ll meet up with your guests and vendors at the ceremony site. Exchange vows, kiss, take photos, and then it’s off to celebrate! After your ceremony:
The couple (and officiant, if used) signs the marriage license
The completed license is returned to the Clerk & Recorder
Once filed, your marriage is legally recorded with the State of Colorado.
RMNP Wedding: Pros & Cons
The Pros
Incredibly beautiful mountain views, alpine lakes, and meadows
Affordable option for small ceremonies
Ceremony sites available with options that include group sizes up to 30 people
Wildlife! It's highly likely you can safely view deer, elk and moose!
Tons of lodging and restaurant options nearby in the adjacent town of Estes Park
The Cons
During weekends and peak season, entrance lines can get long. A wedding permit does NOT grant you privileged access to the park.
RMNP only issues a certain number of permits each month—they generally run out by early season.
Lodging & dining options get limited! The town of Estes Park is small, and is one of the busiest tourist destinations in Colorado—lodging and dining options get limited in the peak summer months.
Securing a wedding permit means there won’t be another wedding in your area, but it does NOT prevent other people from being in the area.
No seating, No Music, and No Decorations
Looking for a private wedding venue?
I have my own micro-wedding ceremony site just outside of Estes Park! It is fully private, allows music, and provides seating.
Rocky Mountain Wedding & Elopement Park
The Best Day, Time, Month, and Season to Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park
RMNP is open 365 days a year, and we do elopements here all year around!
Best Month to Elope in RMNP
The most popular months to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park are Mid-June through mid-October. This is peak wedding season in Colorado, and offers comfortable conditions and easy access. Winter conditions are possible late-October through late-April, with the highest chances of snow January through March—for those couples looking for a winter wonderland wedding!
Click here for Estes Park monthly weather
Best Season to Elope in RMNP
You can’t go wrong during the summer months from mid-June through mid-September! If you’re looking for fall vibes, the last week of September and first week of October are your best chance for chance to catch the Aspens change colors. November and May are sort of the “shoulder” season, where weather is difficult to predict, and tourist traffic slows down. December - April is the bonafide winter months, it’s a beautiful time of year, but expect limited lodging and dining options as the town tends to hibernate a bit.
Best Day to Elope in RMNP
The best day of the week to elope in RMNP is a Tuesday or Wednesday, this is when there is the least amount of traffic in the park. I always suggest avoiding Friday-Sunday when possible, and definitely avoiding Saturdays when the entrance to the park can get hectic.
Best Time to Elope at RMNP
The best time to elope at RMNP is sunrise, or two hours before sunset, as this is optimal lighting for photos. If you want the least amount of people in the park, always go for sunrise.
Sunset and sunrise calculator
Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding FAQs & Rules
Do I need a permit to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Yes, a special use permit is required for all weddings and events held in RMNP. You can acquire a permit up to 1 year in advance of your wedding date, but no later than 7 days prior to your wedding. The Special Use permit info
How much does the RMNP wedding permit cost?
The Rocky Mountain National Park wedding permit costs $300.
Can we do our ceremony at one spot, and photos at another?
Yes! Rocky Mountain National Park only requires that you do your ceremony at your designated site, after that, you can go elsewhere in the park for photos.
How much does it cost to elope in RMNP?
In addition to the $300 RMNP wedding permit, most couples spend $2,500-$6,000 on their Rocky Mountain National Park elopement, including the officiant, photographer, and marriage license. Colorado MicroWeddings has an All-Inclusive RMNP Elopement Package Starting at $1,800.
How do we get to Rocky Mountain National Park?
If you are flying into Colorado for your wedding, you’ll want to fly into Denver International Airport. You’ll need a rental car, and we highly recommend opting for a 4WD/AWD October-May. From there, Rocky Mountain National Park is roughly an hour and 45 minute drive to the East entrance on the Estes Park side. All of the primary ceremony sites in RMNP are within 45mins of the East Park entrance.
How many people can attend my wedding?
The maximum guest count varies by ceremony location and season, with some spots accommodating up to 30 people, while others may be more suited to intimate groups. Be sure to check the specifics of your desired location when applying for a permit. The total guest count listed by the park must include your vendors in the count. Additionally, only a few amount of cars are permitted within each group so plan on carpooling!
Does “Timed Entry” apply to wedding permit holders?
No, RMNP’s “Timed Entry” requirements do not apply to wedding permit holders.
Can we set up chairs?
No, Rocky Mountain National Park does not allow weddings to set up chairs, or decorations, of any kind.
Is music allowed?
Amplified music is not allowed in RMNP, weddings are allowed to have a live musician play acoustically.
Max group size?
Each of the designated ceremony sites in Rocky Mountain National Park have their own max group size, ranging from 15-30 people (including you, your guests, and any wedding vendors).
Can we bring our dog?
Moraine Park Amphitheater is the only wedding site in Rocky Mountain National Park that allows dogs (and they must be on a leash!). While dogs are technically allowed in the park, Rocky Mountain National Park has strict rules on where your pets are permitted. In most cases, dogs are restricted to stay in your vehicle and in the parking lot. If you are hoping to include your dog(s) in your ceremony, this may not be the place for you!
Are any of the sites handicap accessible?
The Lily Lake Dock is the only handicap accessible wedding site in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Are there restrictions on decorations?
Rocky Mountain National Park has strict rules regarding decorations. Arches, tossing flower petals (real or fake!), confetti, etc. are not permitted. The only exception is Moraine Park Amphitheater, where a simple arch is permitted.
Is alcohol permitted?
Alcohol is only allowed in Rocky Mountain National Park at designated campsites.
Where should we stay?
Rocky Mountain National Park is located right by the popular but quaint town of Estes Park. Estes Park is the closest place to stay on the east side of the park, and offers a variety of cabins, hotels, and rental homes. Lodging guide below!
We are getting married outside of the park, can we still take photos inside RMNP?
Yes! For smaller groups, there is no permit fee for portrait style photography. You will still be required to pay the park's entrance fee.
Top Wedding Ceremony Sites in Rocky Mountain National Park
Each of the ceremony sites in RMNP offers something unique, whether it's the lakes, views of the rocky mountains, being nestled in a forested area, or a picturesque meadow. Please note that all locations have different guest occupancy and they may vary by season.
What’s the best ceremony site in Rocky Mountain National Park?
The best ceremony site in Rocky Mountain National Park is 3M Curve. However, larger groups are generally more comfortable at Lily Lake Picnic Area, or Moraine Park Amphitheater (if they want seats). Sprague Lake is another incredible location, but because of the crowds, I only recommend it at sunrise.
3M Curve Wedding Site
Pro-Opinion: Best spot for groups of 15 or less people
In my experience as a local Colorado elopement planner, 3M Curve is the best wedding and elopement ceremony site in Rocky Mountain National Park. It offers dramatic, wide-open views of the Colorado Rockies while remaining one of the least crowded ceremony locations in RMNP.
Max Group Size: 15 people
Season: All Year
Accessibility Notes: The popular ceremony site is roughly a 5 minute walk from the parking lot. While most of the year, this is fairly accessible, it can be a bit more challenging to navigate in the Winter.
Parking Notes: There is a large extended shoulder just off the main road, parking is rarely an issue at this site.
Amenities: No restrooms!
Sprague Lake Wedding Site
Pro-Opinion: Best spot for groups who want water and mountains, but only if you can do sunrise to avoid the crowds.
One of the most beautiful wedding sites in RMNP in terms of sheer photo opportunity, this deck offers lake, trees, and dynamic mountain views! The only downside is the area is VERY popular. Parking can be limited, and the trail near the ceremony site is frequented by visitors and fisherman. If you want privacy, best to opt for an early morning on a weekday.
Max Group Size: 15 people in summer | 30 people in winter
Season: Year Round
Accessibility Notes: This location is a 10-12 minute walk, around the lake, on a dirt path. In dry weather, the unpaved path is considered very accessible for most groups. In inclement weather, this path can get muddy or icy.
Parking Notes: There is a large parking lot, but it fills up often. Give yourself an extra 20 minutes to find a spot.
Amenities: Picnic tables and restrooms nearby.
Bear Lake Wedding Site
Pro-Opinion: rarely the best choice—unless you are looking for a deep snow, winter adventure.
Generally speaking, we rarely use this spot. You may see some nice highlight photos online, but logistically getting to and using this space is much more difficult then the other sites. However, in the winter, it can be a nice spot if the other permits are not available.
Only available in the winter!
Max Group Size: 20 people
Season: Winter only
Accessibility Notes: Due to Bear Lake only being available for weddings in the winter months, accessibility is heavily dependent on weather conditions. Since this spot sits at such a high elevation, weather conditions are often more extreme, and Bear Lake gets more snow, ice and wind than the other listed ceremony locations. We recommend traction shoes to guarantee access to this site, as it does get icy.
Parking Notes: Parking can be really tough at this location.
Amenities: Restrooms (vault toilets) nearby.
Hidden Valley Wedding Site
Pro-Opinion: very limited mountain views, but can be nice for couples who want “forest” vibes.
Not a location we use very often, simply due to the lack of dynamic mountain views, but if you’re going for the more tucked away in the trees vibe this could be the perfect spot!
Max Group Size: 30 people
Season: Year Round
Accessibility Notes: This spot is loved for being tucked in and surrounded by trees and rivers. The most scenic and private spots at this location require 10-15 minutes of walking from the parking lot. It is not the most accessible spot for those with ability concerns. In the winter, the snow gets incredibly high and hikers can be knee deep in snow, hindering accessibility. This spot is popular for kids sledding in the winter, and commonly for skiers as well.
Parking Notes: Parking area is 10-15 minutes from the ceremony site.
Amenities: Restrooms (vault toilets) nearby.
Lily Lake Dock Wedding Site
Pro-Opinion: the best option if you require something handicap accessible.
Max Group Size: 10 people
Season: Year Round
Accessibility Notes: The most accessible of all RMNP ceremony sites! The dock is just a few steps away from the parking lot, making the Lily Lake Dock the only handicap accessibly ceremony site in RMNP
Parking Notes: While the primary parking lot at this location does fill up regularly, the overflow lot across the street is reliably available and just a quick two-minute walk from the ceremony site, making parking manageable even during busy times.
Amenities: Restrooms (vault toilets) nearby.
Lily Lake Picnic Area Wedding Site
Pro-Opinion: the best option for groups with 15+ guests who want mountain views
My favorite spot for larger groups, or for those couples looking for an extra layer of privacy for their vow exchange. This site is tucked off the trail which takes you out of the way of foot traffic, while still offering beautiful mountain and lake views.
Max Group Size: 30 people
Season: Year Round
Accessibility Notes: The picnic area is located a quarter mile from the main parking lot. This path is accessible until you get to the picnic area. This area requires going up a small dirt path with rocks and tree roots and the spot itself is uneven. We do not recommend this spot of guests in a wheelchair, with strollers or guests with mobility concerns.
Parking Notes: While the primary parking lot at this location does fill up regularly, the overflow lot across the street is reliably available and just a quick two-minute walk from the ceremony site, making parking manageable even during busy times.
Amenities: Picnic tables and restrooms (vault toilets) nearby.
Moraine Park Amphitheater Wedding Site
Pro-Opinion: the best option for groups with 15+ guests who want full privacy and seating.
The Moraine Park Amphitheater is the only wedding site in Rocky Mountain National Park that: allows dogs, has seating, and is 100% private. It lacks dynamic mountain views, but is very comfortable for larger groups! Plus, you can also go elsewhere after the ceremony to get additional photos.
Only location that allows an arch / decorations!
Max Group Size: 30 people
Accessibility Notes: This location requires going up uneven stone steps to access. The Amphitheater is roughly a 5 minute walk from a large parking lot. This is a terrific option for larger parties with the option for guests to be seated in a serene and private area.
Parking Notes: This location has its own parking area making for easy access to the site.
Amenities: Picnic tables and restrooms (vault toilets) nearby.
Upper Beaver Meadows Wedding Site
Pro-Opinion: a good backup for smaller groups if 3M curve is already taken.
This location is basically a very large open field, with some evergreen forests and mountains in the backdrop. It is a nice spot for larger groups who are looking for more of a “valley” vibe, but in general I don’t recommend it.
Max Group Size: 30 people
Season: Open Mid October through Mid May with annual meadow closures due to elk rut activity September through October.
Accessibility Notes: Fairly accessible. This trail is dirt and may be uneven. The meadow is expansive with scenic views of the continental divide.
Parking Notes: This location has its own parking area making for easy access to the site.
Amenities: Restrooms (vault toilets) nearby.
Copeland Lake Wedding Site
Pro-Opinion: this spot is never the move.
To put it simply, we never use this spot. It’s not bad! It’s just there are other options that are always going to be better. This spot is especially tricky because of the changing water levels—often times the “lake” is a puddle.
Max Group Size: 30 people
Season: Year Round
Accessibility Notes: The path to the lake is unpaved and requires a few minute walk along uneven terrain. Because the lake is small, the water can be almost non existent in the summer time.
Parking Notes: Good amount of parking nearby.
Amenities: No restrooms.
Rocky Mountain Wedding Park
Pro-Opinion: I think it’s great!
But, I literally made the spot, so I’m pretty bias :)
This is a private wedding venue, located just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. It offers privacy, dynamic views, and seating for up to 25 guests. After the ceremony, groups can go into RMNP to take additional photos!
Max Group Size: 30 people
Season: Early June to Late October
Accessibility Notes: Parking is adjacent to the ceremony site, making it very accessible. However, the ground is not paved, so it is not handicap accessible.
Parking Notes: Private parking.
Amenities: No restrooms.
Click here to learn more about the Rocky Mountain Wedding Park
The 3 Best Spots for Wedding Photos in Rocky Mountain National park
While you must perform your ceremony or exchange vows in one of Rocky Mountain National Parks designated sites, you are allowed to take photos all over the park!
If you are looking for more options of variety in photos than the ceremony sites allow, we recommend checking these spots out for more epic scenes for your photos.
Dream Lake - RMNP (Photo Site)
Season: Year Round
This location requires a 2 mile steep round trip hike. Dream Lake is a very popular hiking attraction and can be very crowded during the day and late morning. Dream lake can be accessed in the winter months with proper preparation and footwear. It should be noted that due to high elevation, this area can get extremely cold and experience fierce winds.
Trail Ridge Road - RMNP (Photo Site)
Season: Typically June-Mid October
This location is arguably the most scenic area in Rocky Mountain National Park. The most popular areas here sit at the highest elevation in the park. Due to the high elevation and severe temperature changes, this location faces periodic closures through the year and the road is entirely closed typically late October through all of May.
LEAVE NO TRACE: It is extremely important to respect the rules in place at Trail Ridge Road to abide by Leave No Trace. The turf is extremely fragile in this area so visitors must stay on trail and rock formations.
Moraine Park - RMNP (Photo Site)
Season: Year Round
Vast meadowed area with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. This is an expansive area to roam to get some of the parks best scenes… beautiful all year around!
Where to Stay Near Rocky Mountain National Park
If Rocky Mountain National Park looks like the perfect place to get married, you’ll have endless options for lodging and accommodations no matter your group size in the adjacent town Estes Park. We’ve compiled a few of our favorite ideas that will help make sure you get the experience you want!
The Stanley Hotel
Known for its stunning historic aesthetic and grandeur, The Stanley Hotel is an iconic, highly sought after location in Estes Park. Guests love the historic charm, the on site amenities and its central location. Not only that, but horror buffs love that the film “The Shining” was based on the aesthetic of this hotel! If that appeals to you, they offer ghost tours as well!
Mountain Village at Estes Park
For those wanting an elite, waterfront cabin experience, look no further than these stunning cabins at Mountain Village at Estes Park. The have options that can accommodate a number of group sizes and have options for hot tubs, fireplaces and more!
VRBO/AirBnb
To find just the right fit, we suggest looking at the endless rentals available in the area. From rustic, to updated, cozy or modern you’ll find tons of options to suit your needs!
Where to Host Your Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Reception
Looking for a place to celebrate after your nuptials in nature? While Rocky Mountain National Park is extremely limited in reception options, here are a few of our favorite spots that accommodate small groups!
Venue on the Rocks
This quaint spot is a great place for small gatherings in close proximity to the park. Venue on the Rocks is nestled within aspen trees and right next to the river.
The Birds Nest
Located down the road from the Beaver Meadows Entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park, The Birds Nest makes an easily accessible and perfect spot to celebrate! They offer reservations upstairs which showcases scenic views of the mountains through their large windows.
Local VRBO/AirBnb
For small parties that prefer catering or hiring a chef, we love the intimate nature of celebrating in your rental. Be sure your rental allows it and then enjoy the comfort and intimacy this option offers!
Want a rental home for your party?
Colorado Wedding Homes
Event & Group Friendly Rental Homes!
Local Restaurants
Depending on the size of your group, many restaurants in the Estes Park area are familiar with accommodating wedding groups! Our clients love Bird and Jim and Twin Owls Steakhouse!
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
