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

Professional Opinion: I’ve planned and officiated hundreds of weddings in RMNP over the years, and Sprague Lake is definitely one of the best in terms of photos. However, it is a VERY BUSY location, so unless you do sunrise, expect to have a lot of people in the area. If this bothers you, there’s some other locations nearby that have more privacy for the ceremony (and then you can go to Sprague to do your portraits after).
Text or Email me the word “info” for my full list of Colorado wedding spots!
303-335-0127

Why Choose Sprague Lake for Your Wedding?

Imagine your Colorado intimate wedding set lakeside with a sprawling mountain backdrop. It probably looks a lot like Sprague Lake! Located inside Rocky Mountain National Park, Sprague Lake is the perfect location that offers scenic views without a hike or hassle. Here’s everything you need to know about making your vision a reality.

When people envision their Colorado wedding in nature, a few common nature themes come to mind: Mountains, trees and a water feature. Sprague Lake is unique in having all three in one spot! Often, couples are pressured to undergo a hard trek to reach these types of spots, but luckily Sprague Lake is one of the most accessible spots in Rocky Mountain National Park. Additionally, out of the list of spots the park allows ceremonies, Sprague Lake has a more generous guest count allowing 15-30 guests depending on the time of year.

Elevation: ~8700

Guest Limits: 15 Summer -30 Winter

Permit Fee: $300

Accessibility: Year Round

Distance from DIA:~2 Hours

Nearest Town: Estes Park

Accessibility and Facilities:

One of our favorite parts of this stunning location—it’s accessible. The lake sits at an elevation of 8,700 feet and the park's maintained roads make it easily reachable by car. The paved path around the lake is wheelchair and stroller accessible when weather permits, making it a viable option for all of your loved ones to participate in your celebration. If you have guests with mild mobility concerns, the lake’s proximity to parking and the smooth, accessible pathways will ensure they can enjoy the day just as much as everyone else. Few times of the year, weather will impact accessibility of the trail creating ice, snow and mud. While it is one of the parks most accessible options, keep in mind your guests that may struggle with high elevations as it does take time to acclimate.

Sprague Lake has a reasonably sized parking lot, that fills up quickly during Summer and busy weekends. The most sought after ceremony spot is the dock that overlooks the lake. The dock is roughly a 10 minute flat walk from the parking lot, the walk starts by crossing over a small bridge. The flat pathway is a .7 mile loop.

Restrooms and Amenities:

While Sprague Lake is a natural setting, the park does provide some key amenities to ensure your wedding day is comfortable. There are public restrooms located near the parking lot, so you won’t need to worry about long hikes to find bathroom facilities. These restrooms are open seasonally, typically from late spring to early fall, so be sure to plan accordingly if your wedding is during off-peak months. The restrooms are simple but functional, providing a convenient space for guests to freshen up.

Want a ceremony site that is 100% private?
Check out the Rocky Mountain Wedding & Elopement Park! - Here

Permits and Regulations:

Rocky Mountain National Park requires a special use 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

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 Sprague Lake 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.

How-To Book Your Wedding at Sprague Lake

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.

Want some help?
I can get your permit, coordinate your vendors, and plan your day!
Planning - $500
RMNP Permit - $250 (discount!)
Photographer - $635
Officiant - $435
Flowers - $100
Videographer - $1035
Hair & Makeup - $550
Text me the word “info” for more info!
303-335-0127

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.
Parking: Parking is available at Sprague Lake, but it can fill up quickly, especially during the busy summer months. Be sure to arrive early to ensure you have a spot.
Time of Year: Sprague Lake 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, and some facilities (like restrooms) may be closed.
Foot Traffic: This is a popular destination for tourists inside the park. Know that a permit does not give you exclusive usage of anywhere in the park. While tourists are usually respectful and give some space, wedding parties are not allowed to interfere with guests' visit to the park.
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.

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

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