A guide to having a YMCA Rockies Wedding
YMCA of the Rockies is located in the heart of Estes Park, right outside Rocky Mountain National Park. YMCA of the Rockies offers beautiful mountain views and is the perfect rustic venue, whether you’re having an intimate wedding or a large gathering!
If you are getting married at the YMCA of the Rockies, I’d love to be your photographer! Send me a message and let’s chat about your vision!
Some details on the YMCA Rockies
| Address | 2515 Tunnel Road, Estes Park, CO 80511 | ||
| Occupancy | 100-400 depending on ceremony site | ||
| Ceremony site options | Multiple indoor or outdoor options | ||
| Catering | In house | ||
| Seating | Included | ||
| Hours of venue use | 4 hours for ceremony site, 4.5 for reception |
Pricing for a YMCA Rockies Wedding
Ceremony Site Only
| Monday – Thursday | $1000 |
| Friday – Sunday | $1600 |
Ceremony + Reception
| Saturday | $4050 |
| Friday, Sunday | $3700 |
| Weekday | $3200 |
A tour of a YMCA Rockies Wedding
Getting Ready
There are several different options for getting ready if you’re having a YMCA of the Rockies wedding. One option is the Historic Mountainside Lodge Package, which includes your ceremony and reception site as well as the use of the lodge (can sleep up to 38 people.) The other option is renting one of the many different cabins and lodges spread throughout the property. These two options are great if you’re wanting to stay on site and have your family and friends close by. There are lots of fantastic things to do at the YMCA of the Rockies, why not make a full weekend out of it? The last option is getting ready at a nearby Airbnb– there are tons of gorgeous Airbnbs in Estes park, some only 5-10 minutes away!
Ceremony
There are four different ceremony sites available at the YMCA of the Rockies.
- The Overlook Chapel (pictured) – 100 guest capacity – views of Rocky Mountain National Park
- Sara Smith Chapel – 150 guest capacity – pine trees and peaking mountain view
- Ponder Chapel – 120 guest capacity – indoor chapel with stone fireplace
- Hyde Chapel – 400 guest capacity – indoor chapel with hardwood floors and wooden beams.
Reception
If you’re choosing to have a traditional wedding with a reception after your ceremony, there are several different reception sites that you can reserve. You will have access to these locations for 4.5 hours and 2 hours for setup and teardown.
- Assembly Hall – 500 guest capacity
- Upper Cookout Pavillion – 180 guest capacity
- Walnut Room – 150 guest capacity
- Willome Cabin – 150 guest capacity
- Dakota Cabin – 50 guest capacity
Photo Locations
There are so many gorgeous photo locations at the YMCA of the Rockies. The mountain view by the Overlook Chapel are my personal favorite. However, if you’re wanting a little more variety or epicness for your wedding portraits, Rocky Mountain National Park is just 20 minutes away (keep in mind the time going through the fee station and finding parking). If you’d like to see more photos at Rocky Mountain National Park, check out my guide here!
Why you should have a YMCA Rockies Wedding
- The close proximity to Denver and Estes Park. The trip to Estes and RMNP is much better in my opinion than going to mountain towns west of Denver. The drive is about 1.5 hours but usually doesn’t have as much traffic. Your guests will be able to easily fly into Denver and then there’s tons of fun things to do once in Estes.
- The multiple ceremony locations. I love the variety of ceremony locations, no matter your vision, you’ll be able to be accommodated at the YMCA of the Rockies.
- The ability to get ready and stay on site. This is such an underrated perk! There is truly nothing better than getting ready on site and staying on location. The amount of time saved going to different locations is unbeatable. And the ability for all your friends and family to party and drink and then just walk to their rooms? Awesome.
Learn more about Leah, a Colorado wedding photographer
Hey there! I’m so glad you found this YMCA Rockies Wedding guide, I hope it was helpful! I’m a wedding photographer based out of Denver and serving locations across Colorado and beyond. I’m originally from Texas but beelined it here as fast as I could. I’ve always loved the Colorado way of life– the mountains, the food, the people, it’s unlike any place I’ve ever been! Being a wedding photographer here is a dream. I love serving fun and in love couples. If you’re wanting candid, authentic imagery with a creative twist and a luxury experience, I’m your girl! I’d love to learn more about you and your special day! You can send me a message here or using the contact form below. And if you’re getting married at YMCA of the Rockies, I’ll even throw in a little gift upon booking! Can’t wait to hear from you!
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