Eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park can appear to be a little overwhelming, but it’s easy. Eloping in National Parks is getting increasingly popular and for a good reason… These are some of the most beautiful places in the US and are extremely affordable. And I have everything you need to plan this: INTRODUCING the Rocky Mountain National Park elopement guide! And it’s a lot more fun to read than what the Park Service has to say here!
I know this is all about your planning, but let me give you some quick deets: I was a National Park Service Park Ranger for over 10 years, in addition to being born and raised in the National Park Service, so when I say I know what I am talking about, trust me. I am very familiar with the permitting process and laws surrounding… everything in the National Parks. As adventure weddings become more popular, it becomes the photographer’s and other vendors’ responsibility to help educate couples on how it all works.
Just a few quick details:
- You can apply (and really should apply) for a permit one year before your desired wedding month.
- There are only a limited number of permits that are accepted monthly. From May- October, they allow 60 permits per month on a first come – first served basis, and from November – April, they allow 40 permits per month on a first–come–first–served basis. Hence, you want to apply one year in advance.
- The maximum ceremony size is 30 people, regardless of your chosen location.
- You can only have your wedding at one of 12 locations, regardless of size. But this does not mean we can ONLY take pictures at these locations.
- There is a $300 non-refundable permit fee.
Locations
You might think that because Rocky Mountains National Park is a public place, you can elope wherever you like, but this is false. The National Park Service had determined 13 locations where parties can gather for a wedding ceremony. But it is essential to note that this only dictates where you say “I do”; you can go basically anywhere to get your photos taken after (or before) the ceremony. Below is a comprehensive Rocky Mountain National Park elopement guide.
3M Curve
Maximum Ceremony Size: 15
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 3
Site Notes: This might be the most popular place to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park. And it’s no surprise that with amazing views of Logan Peak and lake views. The site is down a small rocky social trail behind a large rock beside the parking area. Due to accessibility issues, this might not be the best site if you plan on having older guests and anyone with accessibility issues. Though the road and the parking lot can be a bit busy, most people don’t wander too far, so you will likely have a private ceremony with amazing views.
Restrooms: Trees
Accessible: No
Alluvial Fan Bridge
Maximum Ceremony Size: 20
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 5
Site Notes: Very Busy during the summer months and will fill up fast on the river with a waterfall, and aspen trees. In 2013, a massive flood wiped out the footbridge and turned the beautiful mount and forest views into something resembling a quarry.
Restrooms: Yes
Accessible: No
Bear Lake Nature Trail
Maximum Ceremony Size: 20
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 5
Site Notes: Not available on weekends for weddings, and no weddings on the Friday before Memorial Day through Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day. The location is on Bear Lake, with mountain views and aspen trees. This location is VERY popular for weddings and tourists; you might get a little more witness than you planned.
Restrooms: Yes
Accessible: No
Copeland Lake (Wild Basin Area)
Maximum Ceremony Size: 30
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10 (from Friday before Memorial Day through Columbus Day)
Site Notes: Copeland Lake is down an easy-to-drive dirt road with a small parking lot. Though this location is right along the road and provides less privacy, it’s less crowded than many of the other approved locations. Another plus: dogs are allowed here! According to other sites, the lake is best in the winter when it is covered in snow or in early summer when the water levels are high.
Restrooms: Yes
Accessible: Kid of, it’s right off a dirt road.
Harbison Meadow Picnic Area (West Side near Grand Lake)
Maximum Ceremony Size: 30
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10 (from Friday before Memorial Day through Columbus Day)
Site Notes: This wide-open meadow provides stunning views of the park’s west side with frequent wildlife. However, there is not much privacy from the parking lot and road. In 2020, the East Troublesome Fire ravaged this area, and you can see some of that damage in the area.
Restrooms: No
Accessible: No
Hidden Valley
Maximum Ceremony Size: 30
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10
Site Notes: If you are looking for a quiet forest with breathtaking mountain views, then look no further. Hidden Valley has it all, with aspen and pine trees EVERYWHERE and a little wooden footbridge! In the summer, the wildflowers are in full bloom.
Restrooms: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Lily Lake Area
Lily Lake Dock
Maximum Ceremony Size: 10
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10 (from Friday before Memorial Day through Columbus Day)
Site Notes: The best views of the lake and the valley, but this is also the busiest of all the Lily Lake locations. All these locations are super busy, so don’t be surprised when you get a couple of people honking their congratulations. If Lily Lake is your dream but don’t want the crowd, look into a sunrise ceremony. Not only will you have fewer people, but you will also have the best light.
Restrooms: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Lily Lake Trail
Maximum Ceremony Size: 20
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10 (from Friday before Memorial Day through Columbus Day)
Restrooms: No
Accessible: No
Lily Lake Southside Picnic Area
Maximum Ceremony Size: 30
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10 (from Friday before Memorial Day through Columbus Day)
Restrooms: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Sprague Lake
Maximum Ceremony Size: 15 (summer), 30 (winter)
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 3 (summer), 10 (from Friday before Memorial Day through Columbus Day)
Site Notes: The little loop trail around the lake provides dramatic views of mountains and the lake, with a little dock perfect for a wedding. On a clear day, you have beautiful days of Hallet Peak. This area is very busy, so expect a few more guests than you planned.
Restrooms: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater
Maximum Ceremony Size: 30
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10 (from Friday before Memorial Day through Columbus Day)
Site Notes: This is the best place to have a larger wedding. It’s a bit more open than many other places and has wooden benches for guests. This is the only location in the park where you can have a ceremony arch and other decorations. Dogs are permitted on leash, so if you want your dog to be a witness, this is your place!!
Restrooms: Yes, nearby.
Accessible: Yes
Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater
Maximum Ceremony Size: 20
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 5
Site Notes: This amphitheater is located on the west side of the park and is probably the best if you have a need for accessibility. This is also a great place if you plan camping since Timber Creek Campground is next door. Just think, you can have your bridal suite (tent) right next to your ceremony location.
Restrooms: Yes
Accessible: Yes
Upper Beaver Meadows
Maximum Ceremony Size: 30
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10 (NO vehicles from mid-October to mid-May)
Site Notes: This is one of the more private places to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are plenty of places for you to have your ceremony, from open meadows to rocky hills. A plus, it’s super easy to access the trail from the dirt road.
Restrooms: Yes, at the trailhead.
Accessible: No
Tips on Choosing Your Ceremony Site
- Think about logistics. Which side of the park are you staying on, or how far are you willing to drive on your big day? Do you need to carpool to the ceremony site? How many guests will you have? Do they have any accessibility needs?
- Think about what kind of location you want. Do you want to hike to the ceremony site or drive? Do you want an arch? Do you mind a couple extra people watching you exchange your vows, or do you want more privacy? Mountain views or lake views?
- Think about timing. Some of these locations are busier than others, especially on the weekends. Summers are hard to get away from people, and the fall colors will bring people from all corners of the world.
- Take a little trip. Once you have figured out when and where you will elope, check out the area or try googling the site to understand the area better. Or even better, go check it out in person!
- Make sure there are no closures or construction work that might affect your big day! Here is a list of alerts for Rocky Mountain National Park.
Best Views of Rocky Mountain National Park
Just because you have to do your ceremony in the designated locations, does not mean you have to take your wedding portraits there. As long as you respect other visitors and follow the laws and regulations, you can go basically anywhere to get some breathtaking bridal portraits. Ask your photographer for the hidden gems of Rocky Mountain National Park and their elopement guide.
The Permit
As stated earlier, permits are on a first come- first serve basis, so get your application in ASAP! These Special Use Permits require a non-refundable administrative $300 fee. A permit is required if there are 2 or more people involved in the ceremony (this includes guests). This permit does not cover entry into the park; a Park pass is still required. These can be obtained at the entrance stations, or interagency yearly park passes can be found basically anywhere.
If you already know your date, email the Rocky Mountain National Park Concessions Manager at romo_fees_permit@nps.gov to see which locations are available. Or, if you have your heart set on a location, you can ask what dates are still available for specific locations.
Once you have the date and locations set, complete the wedding permit from the Rocky Mountain National Park site. Under “Proposed Activity,” use “Elopement ceremony and photos.” As for the preferred start and end time, speak with your vendors. And remember to include all vendors (photographer, videographer, officiant, etc.) in your guest count.
Rules and Regulations
- The permit does not give you exclusive access to the area, just permission to use the area. These areas are open to the public 24/7, regardless of a permit.
- Any park facility cannot be used in the event of inclement weather as your ceremony site. You may use these facilities as intended, meaning, you cannot close off an entire bathroom to do your hair and makeup.
- No disruption of peace and tranquility in the park, and no amplified music.
- Prohibited items include chairs, tents, floral displays, banners, signs, flags, balloons, generators, carpets, and amplifiers.
- Scattering of any material (rice, confetti, flower petals, etc.), is considered littering and cannot be used.
- Always follow Leave No Trace principles.
Here are some fun facts about getting married in Colorado.
- Colorado is one of the only states that allow you to Self-Solemnize your wedding. This means you do not need an officiant or any witnesses to get married!
- Your dog can sign your marriage certificate. Since you don’t need an official witness, that means your 4-legged best friend can sign the certificate!!
- You can use an absentee application if one of you cannot make it to the license/certificate signing.
Elopement Photography Packages
If you are thinking about getting married in Rocky Mountain National Park and you like this elopement guide, or any other National Park, and are looking for a photographer who knows their way around the National Park Service Rules and Regulations, I’d love to chat with you. Get in my inbox here! Or you can check out my work to get some inspiration.
