3M Curve at Rocky Mountain National Park is my favorite of the approved wedding and elopement ceremony spots. This spot is found off Trail Ridge Road (which can be closed during the Winter and due to inclement weather. It usually opens around June and closes in October). However, the portion of Trail Ridge Road is almost always open and plowed during the Winter, making this an accessible wedding spot no matter the time of year. This site features gorgeous views of Longs Peak and feels more private than other ceremony sites in the park.
Are you looking for a photographer to take your wedding photos at 3M Curve in Rocky Mountain National Park? Send me a message! I’d love to chat about your vision!
How to have a 3M Curve wedding or elopement
Getting a permit for a 3M Curve wedding
- Email romo_fees_permits@nps.gov to inquire about your date and availability.
- Fill out an application, application found here and pay your $300 non-refundable booking fee.
- Send completed application to the above email.
- Sign and print your completed permit. You must have your permit with you at all times.
How to get to 3M Curve
3M Curve does not show up directly on maps, so you’ll want to input the coordinates 40°22’50.3″N 105°36’13.3″W. This wedding location is off of Highway 36 about 10 minutes past the main RMNP ticket entrance. There are only 10 parking spots available, but you are only allowed 3 cars (so plan ahead and carpool!)
What is the best time for a 3M Curve wedding?
As with all locations in RMNP, 3M Curve can be busy on the weekends. For that reason, I highly recommend eloping or reserving for a weekday or aiming for a sunrise reservation! However, 3M Curve is more private than some other ceremony spots (like Sprague Lake or Lily Lake) so even if there are people hiking around, it is more secluded. This spot looks absolutely gorgeous at sunrise or the hour before sunset. There is not much shade so the lighting can be quite harsh during the day.
How accessible is 3M Curve?
Highway 36 up to 3M Curve is usually well maintained and plowed in the winter, but the path and trail to the elopement spot is not. So if you’re eloping in the winter you might have to trek through some snow. The path to the spot is at a slight incline downhill with some rocks. It takes about 5-10 minutes to walk there and is pretty accessible. Wheelchairs and strollers might have some issues though.
Is 3M Curve a private elopement spot?
3M Curve is definitely more private than other locations due to the trees and small walk down from the main street. However, it is still a super popular location and I’d be prepared to not be completely alone unless you choose a sunrise weekday reservation.
Recent Rocky Mountain Park updates
Weddings for 2021
As of January of 2021, Rocky Mountain has issued all of its 250 available 2021 wedding permits. If you are looking to elope at Rocky Mountain this year (2021) that unfortunately doesn’t look like a possibility. However, there is the option of getting legally married outside the park (at an equally gorgeous location) and then entering the park for portraits.
Weddings for 2022
May-October 60 permits per month will be issued.
November – April 40 permits per month will be issued.
As of June 1, 2021, Rocky Mountain National Park will resume issuing permits a year in advance on that wedding month. (Ex: October 2021 you can be issued your October 2022 permit).
If you are wanting to elope at RMNP I highly recommend getting your permit as soon as possible. The number of permits is extremely limited and they will go quickly.
Update for 2024 weddings
Fall of 2024 is officially booked up as of March 2024. There are still a few remaining off season dates– so definitely reach out asap!
Meet Leah- Colorado wedding photographer
Hey there! I hope you enjoyed this post all about eloping at 3M Curve! Rocky Mountain weddings are some of my favorite things to photograph. If you love colorful, energetic and authentic photos, send me a message! I’d love to chat with you about your 3M Curve wedding!
If you liked this post about having a 3M Curve wedding, why don’t you check out some of these other posts and resources?
Questions to ask your wedding photographer before booking
What to do after getting engaged
What to wear for your engagement photos
How to elope at Rocky Mountain National Park
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