How to Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park
Tucked in the mountains, a little over 3 hours from the Denver Airport you’ll find Rocky Mountain National Park – one of the most beautiful spots in Colorado to have your elopement.
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited National Parks that covers 415 square miles in Estes Park, Colorado. The park boasts over 300 miles of hiking trails throughout various terrains leaving you with plenty of options to choose from for your Colorado Elopement.
Rocky Mountain National Park is also home to one of the highest (over 12,000 feet) paved roads through the alpine tundra that no other National Park can offer.
HOW TO ELOPE IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK IN COLORADO
- You’ll need to obtain a wedding permit in order to hold a ceremony in the park. This permit costs $300 and you can apply for your permit up to one year in advance. I highly suggest applying for your permit as soon as possible because the spots fill up months in advance. After you are approved, they will send you a Special Use Permit for your signature and an email with payment instructions.
- Ceremonies are limited to two hours maximum at all locations.
- Keep in mind that none of the sites can be reserved for the exclusive use of your event. This means there will be people around your event but don’t worry, 99.9% of people are respectful and won’t disrupt your day.
- For more information and to apply for your Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement, click here.
- Keep in mind that the ceremony locations listed on their website are only for the exchanging of vows if you want to have guests. If you do not plan on having guests, you are free to take portraits in tons of other locations around the park and you may only need a photography permit for this.
LOCATIONS TO ELOPE IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
- 3M Curve
- Alluvial Fan Bridge
- Bear Lake Nature Trail
- Copeland Lake
- Harbison Meadow Picnic Area
- Hidden Valley
- Lilly Lake Dock
- Lilly Lake Trail
For Cole and Brittany’s Elopement at Rocky Mountain National Park, we used Lilly Lake Dock for the ceremony but also took bridal portraits on the trails around Lilly Lake.
- Moraine Park Visitor Center
- Sprague Lake
- Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater
- Upper Beaver Meadows
BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO ELOPE IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Choosing to elope means acknowledging the fact that the weather can change at any given moment and you must be flexible with your plans. My job as a photographer and someone who knows the area well is to help keep you safe. The last thing I would want to do is put you in danger.
The weather in Rocky Mountain National Park can change at a moment’s notice and you must be prepared for that. The higher you go in elevation, the colder/windier it will be.
June-August:
These will be your optimal months if you are hoping to avoid snow and have nearly perfect weather. It won’t be extremely hot and it certainly won’t be too cold. However, please be aware that there are almost always afternoon showers in the mountains but they will clear off and last for about 30-45 minutes.
These months are certainly the most populated. It’s when everyone is on summer vacation and getting all of their hiking in. As always, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds opt for a sunrise elopement, chances are you’ll have the place to yourself.
September-October:
If you are looking for those beautiful aspens to start changing colors – this time of the year in Colorado is your best bet. You’ll get the beautiful fall colors, the weather won’t be too warm or too cold. The fall colors usually appear around Labor Day but they can be gone as soon as October. More than likely you’ll even get some snow-capped mountains in the background. However, please be aware that there is a high probability that the roads leading to higher elevations and locations like Trail Ridge Road will be closed the closer we get to October.
The crowds at Rocky Mountain National Park definitely start to die down during these months
November-March:
Now you’re entering the winter months in the mountains. Be prepared with extra layers, hand warmers, and probably some hot cocoa if you choose to elope during these months. Roads leading to higher elevations will likely be closed during this time.
However, these months are also the least populated meaning a more intimate elopement.
March-May:
Springtime in Rocky Mountain National Park will definitely be more green but you can still expect to see snow. Late spring is when the beautiful flowers start popping up and the weather won’t be as intense. Trail Ridge Road usually opens towards the end of May.
Need Help Planning?
Although there are lots of great planners that you can reach out to but most photographers will gladly help you with the entire process. A huge bonus is that your photographer will also know the best spots for photos :).
If you’d like help, reach out to me by clicking here, I would love to help you plan your Colorado Elopement!
