Rocky Mountain National Park
Wedding Guide
updated for 2025
So you're thinking of having a Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding?
First off, congratulations! Rocky Mountain National Park is one of my favorite places in Colorado– it is known for its incredible mountain views, forested meadows, and flowing rivers. The park is about 1.5 hours outside downtown Denver. Rocky Mountain National Park has 265,461 acres to explore, which ensures that there is something for everyone! Whether you’re eloping with just you and your partner or having a intimate wedding gathering, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know in order to have an incredible Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding.
hey there!
UPDATE MAY 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).
UPDATE FOR 2025:
Permits are now available for 2025. They will be issued one year in advance. So for October 2025, permits will open October 2025, etc.
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.
recent rocky mountain park updates
Rocky Mountain Highlights
Where can i have a wedding in rocky mountain national park?
Weddings are allowed at 12 different ceremony sites across the park. Vow renewals, elopements, or intimate weddings are not permitted anywhere except these specific sites. To learn more about each site, read more below! My favorite ceremony locations are 3M Curve and Hidden Valley.
frequently asked questions
+ 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 DO I GET MARRIED AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK?
Your permit does not include entrance to the park, every car will need to pay the $25 entrance fee. You can find up to date entrance prices here. The permit does cover photographer and videographers permits.
WHAT DOES MY PERMIT INCLUDE?
No, your permit bipasses the timed entrance. Just make sure that all your guests and wedding vendors come in with you the rangers know to let you in.
WHAT IS THE TIMED ENTRANCE? DO I NEED TO RESERVE THAT TOO?
Dogs are permitted if your ceremony site is within 100 feet of a road. This is to protect you and your pets. Ceremony sites that do not allow dogs are:
Sprague Lake
Lily Lake
Alluvial Fan
Bear Lake
Hidden Valley
To read more about Rocky Mountain National Park’s pet policy, go here.
CAN I BRING MY DOG?
The only ceremony location that allows any sort of wedding arch or structure is Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater. Additional seating (chairs, benches, etc.) is not allowed, but several ceremony sites do have seating.
CAN I HAVE AN ARCH OR BRING IN ADDITIONAL SEATING?
I highly recommend a weekday, either at sunrise or sunset. The park can be incredibly busy on weekends which means that parking can be difficult and privacy limited. If you want to have the most relaxing and stress free wedding or elopement, aim for a weekday.
Some dates to avoid eloping at Rocky Mountain National Park are:
January 18* Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
April 17* First day of National Park Week / National Junior Ranger Day
May 31 Memorial Day
July 4 Fourth of July
August 4* Great American Outdoors Act anniversary
August 25* National Park Service Birthday
September 25* National Public Lands Day
November 11* Veterans Day
November 24-26 Thanksgiving
*Free park entrance days at Rocky Mountain National Park
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR A ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK WEDDING?
All ceremony sites will have a specified maximum number of guests. However, due to Covid RMNP has specified that no site shall have more than 30 people total (includes vendors and the couple).
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ALLOWED AT MY ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELOPEMENT?
The choice to elope outdoors does come with the risk of inclement weather. But Colorado weather passes quite quickly, there have been times when I’ve had a wedding with torrential rain and hail and in 30 minutes it has completely cleared and been sunny and beautiful. To reduce the risk of afternoon showers (which are incredibly prevalent in RMNP) have a morning ceremony! In the event of rain I have 15+ clear umbrellas for you and your guests. But remember, rain or shine, you’re getting married!!
WHAT IF IT RAINS ON OUR ELOPEMENT DAY?
No, your permit bipasses the timed entrance. Just make sure that all your guests and wedding vendors come in with you the rangers know to let you in.
WHAT IS THE TIMED ENTRANCE? DO I NEED TO RESERVE THAT TOO?
Absolutely you can go elsewhere in the park! And I so encourage it! There are so many gorgeous spots at RMNP, exploring is one of my favorite things to do on wedding day.
CAN WE GO ELSEWHERE IN THE PARK? OR JUST OUR CEREMONY LOCATION?
The town of Estes Park is right outside of RMNP. Estes is a super cute mountain town with lots of breweries, restaurants and activities. RMNP is about an hour from Boulder and 1.5 hours from Denver, but sometimes there can be traffic on the one lane highway taking you to the park and there is usually some traffic at the ticket booth.
WHAT CITY IS CLOSEST TO RMNP?
Yes! If you want gorgeous wedding photos at Rocky Mountain National Park but weren’t able to get a permit you can absolutely get married outside the park and then go inside for photos. This requires a $50 photography permit fee.
CAN I GET MARRIED OUTSIDE THE PARK AND THEN TAKE PHOTOS INSIDE?
Yaaaaas!! I’m so excited for you! For next steps, send me a message! I’ll help you every step along the way, from helping you secure your permit to finding the perfect photo locations. I am your photographer and your guide!
I’M SOLD! I WANT A ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK WEDDING! WHAT NEXT?
Ceremony locations at Rocky Mountain National Park
3M Curve
3M Curve is probably my favorite of all the ceremony locations. 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). This site features gorgeous mountain views.
3M might be the perfect wedding site if:
+ You want epic views of the mountains
+ You’re having a smaller, intimate wedding or elopement
+ You’re getting married in the Summer or early Fall
Maximum number of guests: 15
Maximum number of vehicles: 3
How accessible: There is no clear pathway and can be a slightly rocky hike. Not recommend for people with mobility issues or wheelchairs.
How private: This location is more private due to the small hike, but it is close to the road so you will hear some traffic noise.
Restrooms: No
Sprague Lake
Sprague Lake is a gorgeous ceremony site that features a lake and mountain view and dock. The mountain views at this location are some of my favorite and the sunrise and sunsets here are gorgeous. It is a super popular location, but there’s a nice big parking lot and plenty of space to explore.
Sprague Lake might be the perfect wedding site if:
+ You want epic views of the mountains
+ You want a dock or a structure to get married on
+ You want an accessible location with lots of parking.
Maximum number of guests: 15 in Summer, 30 in Winter
Maximum number of vehicles: 3 in Summer, 10 in Winter
How accessible: This location is about a 10 minute walk from the parking lot but is very flat.
How private: This is an incredibly popular location along Bear Lake Road, which means there will likely be a good number of hikers and tourists walking by, but it can get super quiet and calm during a sunrise or sunset on a weekday.
Restrooms: Yes
Lily Lake
Lily Lake has 3 different ceremony site options, but the most photogenic is the dock. The dock is very similar to Sprague Lake, it is a lakeside that offers beautiful views of the hills. However, the dock at Lily Lake is right off the parking lot and can be very highly trafficked. Lily Lake also has one of the most versatile photo opportunities. There is the lakeside dock, meadows, and a small hike will take you up to a gorgeous lookout. Another awesome benefit of Lily Lake is you don’t have to pass a fee station which can cut down on a lot of your travel note. (Note: you still absolutely need your permit since rangers do patrol the area and will ask for it.)
Lily Lake might be the perfect wedding site if:
+ You want to get married right on a lake.
+ You want a location that is very accessible.
+ You want a variety of photo locations after your ceremony.
Maximum number of guests: 10
Maximum number of vehicles: 10
How accessible: One of the most accessible. The parking lot is just steps away from the dock.
How private: Not private at all. Highly recommend a weekday at sunrise or sunset.
Restrooms: Yes
Upper Beaver Meadows
Upper Beaver Meadows is one of the most private and secluded ceremony spots. I love the grassy meadows and views of the mountains here. The road to this location does close in the Winter but is usually accessible May through October.
Upper Beaver Meadows might be the perfect wedding site if:
+ You want views of the mountains
+ Privacy and quiet is your biggest priority.
+ You want trees and a meadow.
Maximum number of guests: 30
Maximum number of vehicles: 10
How accessible: Upper Beaver Meadows is as accessible as you want it to be. There are lots of options for your ceremony, some just steps away from the parking lot, while others require a little more of a trek.
How private: One of the most private and quiet sites in the park.
Restrooms: Yes
Bear Lake
Bear Lake is a beautiful alpine lake. It clocks in at 10,000ft elevation but is incredibly accessible. The lake is one of the most popular spots in Rocky Mountain National Park which is why weddings here are not allowed from Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
Bear Lake might be the perfect wedding site if:
+ You want lake and mountain views.
+ You want an accessible location.
+ You want to hike to Dream Lake.
Maximum number of guests: 20
Maximum number of vehicles: 5
How accessible: This spot is about 200 feet from the parking lot and super flat and easy terrain.
How private: Bear Lake is super crowded, especially one the weekends. Aim for a weekday for sure.
Restrooms: Yes
Ready to start planning your Colorado wedding at Rocky Mountain National Park?
I’m so stoked that you are ready to start planning your Rocky Mountain National Park wedding or elopement!! Rocky is truly one of the most magical places and it is the perfect backdrop for your wedding or elopement! As a wedding and elopement photographer my goal is to make sure my couples not only get gorgeous wedding photos but also have an incredible experience and wedding day. Your wedding or elopement is not just a photoshoot, I want you to have fun and enjoy spending time with your family and friends. Photos with me are candid, authentic, creative and easy going.
All couples receive a tailored, custom timeline based on your questionnaire responses. Then we'll schedule a meeting to go over all the details!
timeline prep
Schedule your engagement session 5-6 months before your wedding date. Don't worry about finding a location, I've got you!
engagement session
Pay your retainer and sign a virtual contract and you're officially booked! Immediately receive access to my exclusive wedding guide and location resources.
booking
After filling out my contact form I'll be in touch to schedule a consultation, let's chat about your vision for your wedding!
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You'll receive a highlight gallery of 80 images in less than one week! Final, edited images will be delivered in a gorgeous, private online gallery in 6-8 weeks.
IMAGE DELIVERY
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reception venues near rocky mountain national park
Wondering what to do after your Rocky Mountain National Park wedding celebration? Luckily the town of Estes Park is just a short drive away and has plenty of wonderful spots to keep the party going. Whether you’re planning a small elopement or micro-wedding in Estes Park and want a reception space that feels more like a cozy dinner party than a full-blown ballroom bash, this list is for you.
ESTES PARK RECEPTION VENUES
Nest Above
Vibe: Elevated, intimate, private dining
Capacity: Up to 70 guests
Price Range: Varies based on custom menu and event size
Nest Above is a tucked-away gem offering private events with sweeping mountain views and high-end, seasonal cuisine. It’s ideal for elopement receptions, rehearsal dinners, or even a dreamy farewell brunch. Think chic mountain lodge meets chef-curated menu.
Crag’s Lodge
Vibe: Historic lodge with rustic charm
Capacity: Up to 150 guests
Price Range: Moderate to high, depending on setup and guest count
Perched above Estes with unbeatable views, Crag’s Lodge brings that classic mountain lodge ambiance. While it can host larger events, it’s still a great option for cozy, elegant receptions with a vintage touch.
Bristlecone Inn
Vibe: Quaint, romantic, personalized
Best For: Micro weddings and intimate gatherings
Price Range: Moderate
This charming inn specializes in elopements and micro weddings. With on-site catering, warm hospitality, and a sweet garden setting, Bristlecone Inn feels more like a private dinner at a friend’s beautiful mountain home.
Bird & Jim
Vibe: Trendy, mountain-modern eatery
Capacity: 20 people
Price Range: $30–50 per person
Bird & Jim is a local favorite for a reason. With a focus on Colorado-sourced, seasonal food and craft cocktails, this spot is ideal for foodie couples who want a stylish reception with a laid-back, modern feel.
GRAND LAKE RECEPTION VENUES
The Rapids Lodge & Restaurant
Vibe: Riverside elegance in a historic lodge
Capacity: Up to 100 guests
Price Range: Varies based on menu and event type
Established in 1915, The Rapids Lodge offers a romantic, fine-dining experience right on the Tonahutu River. It’s a picture-perfect spot for an upscale yet intimate celebration surrounded by nature. And bonus, with lodging on site you and all your guests can stay here too!
Daven Haven Lodge & Backstreet Steakhouse
Vibe: Lodge-style dining with private event options
Capacity: 10–100 guests
Price Range: Moderate
With multiple event spaces, including Wilbur’s Room and the cozy Backstreet Steakhouse, this venue balances rustic charm with hearty cuisine. Ideal for a warm, intimate dinner party vibe.
Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging & Events
Vibe: Lakeside elegance with panoramic views
Capacity: Up to 120 guests
Price Range: Varies based on event
Set right on Grand Lake with views of the surrounding peaks, this venue offers both indoor and outdoor options. Perfect for couples who want their celebration steps from the water.
Colorado Cabin Adventures at Grand Lake
Vibe: Rustic, outdoorsy, laid-back
Capacity: Up to 50 guests
Price Range: Varies depending on space and setup
This cozy cabin property offers a warm and rustic setting for your post-elopement dinner. It’s ideal if you’re combining your celebration with a little mountain adventure and relaxation.
Mountain view at Bird's Nest in Estes Park
rocky mountain national park wedding vendors
If you're getting married at Rocky Mountain National Park, you'll want the dream team of wedding vendors! Here are some of my favorite hair and makeup artists, videographers, officiants and florists.
ESTES PARK RESTAURANTS
Bird & Jim
Seasoned
Dunraven
Twin Owls Steakhouse
GRAND LAKE RESTAURANTS
One Love Rum Kitchen
Tabernash Tavern
Cork on the Water
WEDDING PLANNERS
Mountain Magnolia
Right as Rayne
West & Anchored
Brooks Bridal Events
Carver Coordination
VIDEOGRAPHERS
KP Visuals
Dizzy Lizzy Digital
JR Films
Dylan Crossley
RENTALS
CO Party Rentals
Event Rents
INVITES & DESIGN
Gates Paper Co
Minted
The Lettery Co.
