Simple: Rocky Mountain National Park Weddings & Elopements
If you are looking for iconic, quintessential Colorado scenes for the backdrop of your wedding, Rocky Mountain National Park has to be on your list! We love this option equally for couples wanting to elope with no guests as well as those who can’t imagine getting married without their closest people. We’ve packed all the need to know info, FAQ and details on the most coveted ceremony and photo sites to see if Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect place for you to say “I Do”!
This page breaks down…
Rules, FAQs, How-2 for getting married in RMNP
The best wedding sites in RMNP
The best photos spots in RMNP
Reception & Lodging near RMNP
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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 ($225 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
Colorado’s Elopement Company since 2018!
What we love about Rocky Mountain National Park Weddings:
Affordable option for small ceremonies
Ceremony sites available with options that include group sizes up to 30 people
Unparalleled backdrops
Wildlife! It's highly likely you can safely view deer, elk and moose!
Tons of lodging and restaurant options with close proximity to the town of Estes
Things to Consider:
Securing a wedding permit does NOT grant you exclusivity to any area. You may not block trails or disrupt other guests visit
During weekends and peak season, entrance lines can get long. A wedding permit does NOT grant you privileged access to the park.
Plan in advance! This is a highly sought after location with the town's lodging options selling quickly for peak season.
How to get Married at Rocky Mountain National Park
We walk our couples through the entire process, but here’s what you should expect. Luckily, the parks system has a super streamlined set up making it easy to apply for a wedding permit.
Select a date
Select the ceremony site that best suits your needs
Apply for a Permit. To do this, you’ll need to fill out a special use permit application and email to romo_fees_permits@nps.gov
Make sure you print out your finalized permit and have it on you for the day of your wedding!
We take care of the rest, providing you with vendor recommendations and all the prep information you’ll need to make your day a success!
Frequently Asked Questions: Getting Married at Rocky Mountain National Park
1. 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 fee is $300. Permits go fast, especially for dates May-September.. The park limits the amount of permits per month, so plan in advance if you have a desired date.
2. 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 the locations we discuss, will be a short but varying amount of time from the east side entrances.
3. 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!
4. What time of year is best for a wedding at RMNP?
Rocky Mountain National Park is a year round favorite spot to get married. The most sought after time to marry in Rocky Mountain National Park is typically late spring through early fall (late May to mid-October). Snow is likely to linger into June in some higher elevations, so winter and early spring weddings can pose some challenges due to weather conditions, although they offer an unparalleled backdrop with the mountains covered in snow.
5. 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!
6. 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.
7. Is Alcohol Permitted?
Yes! You are welcome to responsibly enjoy libations in the park.
8. 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 myriad of lodging options.
9. 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. Reach out to us if you’d like more information on where to have your ceremony outside of the park.
Top Ceremony Sites for Your Micro-Wedding 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.
Bear Lake - Rocky Mountain National Park (Wedding Site)
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.
Capacity: 20 winter only, no weekends. Maximum of 5 Vehicles allowed per party.
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.
Sprague Lake - Rocky Mountain National Park (Wedding Site)
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.
Capacity: 15 Summer, 30 winter. Max 3 Vehicles in Summer and 10 in Winter.
Season: Year Round
Accessibility Notes: For the most scenic areas of this location, a 10 minute walk is required. In dry weather, the unpaved path is considered very accessible for most groups. In inclement weather, this path can get muddy or icy.
Sprague Lake - Rocky Mountain National Park (Wedding Site)
In my opinion, 3M curve is the best wedding ceremony site in RMNP, due to its combination of dynamic views, combine with it being the least popular in terms of other people in the area.
Capacity: 15
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.
Hidden Valley - Rocky Mountain National Park (Wedding Site)
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!
Capacity: 30
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.
Lily Lake Dock - Rocky Mountain National Park (Wedding Site)
Capacity: 10 Guests, 3 Cars Maximum per party.
Season: Year Round
Accessibility Notes: The most accessible of potential ceremony sites! The dock is just a few steps away from the parking lot and is flat making it our favorite option for those with mobility concerns. Note that because of its accessibility, it also garners more traffic being in such close proximity to the parking lot.
Lily Lake Dock - Rocky Mountain National Park (Wedding Site)
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.
Capacity: 30 Guests, 10 Cars Maximum per party
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 large mobility concerns.
Upper Beaver Meadows - Rocky Mountain National Park (Wedding Site)
This is a nice spot for larger groups who are looking for more of a “valley” vibe. For smaller groups, I’d suggest 3M curve over this spot, and for larger groups I’d suggest Lily Lake Picnic.
Capacity: Up to 30 guests and 10 cars maximum
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.
Moraine Park Amphitheater - Rocky Mountain National Park (Wedding Site)
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.
Capacity: Up to 30 guests and maximum 10 cars per party.
Year Round
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.
Copeland Lake - Rocky Mountain National Park (Wedding Site)
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.
Capacity: Up to 30 guests and maximum 10 cars per party.
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.
Rocky Mountain Wedding Park
This is a private wedding venue located just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, that offers privacy, dynamic views, and seating for up to 25 guests. After the ceremony, groups can go into the park to take additional photos!
The 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!
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!
Ready to Plan Your Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding?
Rocky Mountain National Park offers an incredible range of options for a micro wedding or elopement, with something to suit every couple’s vision—whether you’re looking for a serene lakeside ceremony, an awe inspiring mountain backdrop, or an intimate meadow scene. Keep in mind the capacity and accessibility of each spot, as well as the time of year that works best for your wedding.
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
Colorado’s Elopement Company since 2018!
