How to Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park
Updated August 30th, 2024
How to Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park
According to the National Park Service, in 2023, Rocky Mountain National Park was the fifth busiest National Park in the country (behind Great Smoky Mountains NP, Grand Canyon NP, Zion NP, and Yellowstone NP), with 4.1 million visits. We’ve spent a lot of time in the park, and it’s easy for us to see why so many people visit each year, it’s beautiful! We know the reason you’re choosing to get married in the Colorado mountains is for the views, and Rocky Mountain National Park won’t disappoint. There, you will be surrounded by beautiful mountains, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails. And the best part about Rocky Mountain National Park is that you can access many locations year-round!
A lot of our couples choose to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park because of how convenient it is. The drive to Estes Park (where you will likely stay) from Denver International Airport takes less than two hours, and there are many places to stop along the way if you want to do some sightseeing. We suggest stopping for lunch or dinner in Boulder (check out Pasta Jay’s, Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant, and the Boulder Tea House). If you have some extra time, spend a little bit of it walking up Pearl Street, which is an outdoor shopping street with street performers. As you get closer to Estes Park, we suggest stopping at Colorado Cherry Company for some delicious pies and fruit juices!
You’ll most likely base yourself in Estes Park, which is a cute town tucked in a large valley, surrounded by mountains. There, you will find many restaurants, a grocery store, and quite a few hotels and cabins to stay in. If you’re a Stephen King fan, you might want to consider staying at the Stanley Hotel, which gave King inspiration for his novel The Shining.
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Check Out Some Elopements in Rocky Mountain National Park
What You Will Find in this RMNP Elopement Guide
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Elopement Locations in Rocky Mountain National Park
When To Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park
What is the best time of year to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park?
The best part about Rocky Mountain National Park is that you can get married there year-round! In the winter and early spring, there are frozen lakes, snow-covered mountains, and many reasons to cuddle up close with your partner. In the summer, there are wildflowers, sunny days, flowing waterfalls, and Trail Ridge Road and its mountaintop views are accessible. And in the fall (usually the second half of September), the aspens change to the most beautiful yellows and oranges.
Our favorite time to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park is between June and early October. That gives you the best weather and the most location options for your elopement!
Is Rocky Mountain National Park A Good Fit For Your Elopement?
Rocky Mountain National Park is a great elopement option for couples who want to immerse themselves in Colorado nature.
What to consider before choosing to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park:
Your entire group size is 30 or less. All ceremonies within the park have been limited to 30 people total (some sites allow less than 30). This includes you, your guests (including children), and any hired vendors (photographer, videographer, officiant, etc).
Elopements within the park are to be kept natural and simple. Chairs, tents, tables, banners, and other furniture are not allowed to be set up at ceremony sites. A few chairs can be permitted for elderly guests.
Ceremony sites are all in places that are accessible to the public. While we find that most park guests are respectful during ceremonies, there is no way to guarantee privacy.
Drones are prohibited within Rocky Mountain National Park, even if the drone pilot has their Part 107 Commercial License.
Throwing of rice, birdseed, or flower petals is not allowed anywhere within the park.
Receptions are not permitted at ceremony sites, even if it falls within the 2-hour rental time. But don’t fret, if you are wanting to have a post-ceremony picnic, we can help you find the perfect picnic area within the park for this!
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most-visited National Parks in the United States. This can make parking and travel throughout the park a bit difficult. Here are some tips to avoid crowds:
Elope on a weekday.
Elope at sunrise (or at least early morning).
Elope in the late afternoon or even at sunset.
Dogs are not allowed at most ceremony sites within Rocky Mountain National Park. BUT if your ceremony is at Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater, then your dog CAN attend your ceremony!
Dogs are allowed along roads or in parking areas as well as campgrounds and picnic areas. They must be kept on a leash at all times.
Popular ceremony sites that do not allow dogs include: 3M Curve, Sprague Lake, Lily Lake, Alluvial Fan, Bear Lake, and Hidden Valley and more.
If you do plan on bringing your dog, you will need to indicate that on your permit application.
Dogs are not permitted on any hiking trails, so we recommend sending your dog home with a guest (or dropping them off at your accommodation) after your ceremony. That way you can explore more of the park after your ceremony!
Click here to read more about bringing your dog to Rocky Mountain National Park.
How to Get a Wedding Permit in Rocky Mountain National Park
Getting a wedding permit in Rocky Mountain National Park is a pretty easy process! Like most locations in Colorado, you are required to get a wedding permit to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park (even if you are having a true elopement with no guests).
How much does a Rocky Mountian National Park wedding permit cost?
Wedding permits in Rocky Mountain National Park cost $300. Your wedding permit will give you access to one of the park’s twelve ceremony sites for a 2-hour timeslot.
With your wedding permit, you are also able to visit other locations in the park before or after your ceremony. That means that you can have your ceremony at a permitted site and also go to another “adventure” location for photos and videos! In the section below in this blog post, we have listed our favorite ceremony locations as well as our favorite adventure locations.
Your wedding permit does not act as your entry, so you, your guests, and any other hired vendors will still need to pay for park admission.
When to apply for your Rocky Mountain National Park wedding permit
Wedding permits become available on the first of the month, one year in advance. For example:
Wedding permits for any date in July 2025 become available on July 1st, 2024.
Wedding permits for any date in September 2025 become available on September 1st, 2024.
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular places to elope in Colorado. Because of that, we recommend applying for your wedding permit as soon as you can! This will not only help to ensure the availability of a permit but will also help make sure you can reserve the ceremony site and time that fits your elopement vision! If you’re not planning as far in advance, the permit office can accommodate permit requests up to 7 days before your elopement date (as long as they are not already fully booked).
For 2024, Rocky Mountain National Park has put a limit on the number of weddings allowed in the park each month, with all permits issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
May through October: 60 wedding permits issued per month
These months are most popular for weddings in the park and often become fully booked
November through April: 40 wedding permits issued per month
If you aren’t lucky enough to receive a wedding permit, don’t worry! We have explored all over the state of Colorado and we are so excited to offer location suggestions to our couples that are not only just as beautiful as Rocky Mountain National Park, but also offer privacy and the opportunity to really enjoy time in the wilderness.
Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Permit Process
1. Start by reading more about wedding permits on the Rocky Mountain National Park website.
2. Pick your date and preferred ceremony site.
You will get your ceremony site for 2 hours. We recommend talking to your elopement photographer to put together a rough timeline for your day. That will help you decide on the perfect 2-hour ceremony time slot!
To avoid crowds, consider getting married on a weekday and choosing a ceremony time outside of peak visitor hours (before 9am or after 3pm).
3. Click here to learn more about Rocky Mountian National Park’s twelve ceremony sites.
You can contact the permit office in advance about availability by emailing romo_fees_permits@nps.gov
If you can, we recommend being flexible! Whether this means you are flexible with your date, the ceremony site, or the ceremony time.
4. Fill out the Rocky Mountain National Park wedding permit application.
5. Send your completed wedding permit application to romo_fees_permits@nps.gov
If approved, you will then pay the $300 permit fee and receive your signed and completed wedding permit!
Be sure to keep a copy of your wedding permit with you at all times within the park!
Our Favorite Elopement Ceremony Sites in RMNP
When you choose to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park, you are required to have your ceremony at one of their twelve permitted sites. This rule applies even for two-person elopement ceremonies or vow renewals. Click here to view all twelve ceremony sites in Rocky Mountain National Park. Below are our favorite ceremony sites!
Sprague Lake
Sprague Lake is a great ceremony site for smaller weddings. Have your ceremony on the small dock on the edge of the lake with beautiful mountains behind you. The lake is situated on Bear Lake Road, about 7 miles from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. There is a parking area, restrooms, and the short (0.3 miles) walk is flat and wheelchair accessible. The area is a busy picnic area, so we suggest avoiding peak times (typically 9 am until 3 pm) and aim for an early ceremony or a ceremony later in the day. Click here to view Sprague Lake's location on Google Maps.
Summer Weddings (Friday before Memorial Day through Indigenous Peoples’ Day)
Maximum Ceremony Size: 15
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 3
Winter Weddings (dates after Indigenous Peoples’ Day but before the Memorial Day weekend)
Maximum Ceremony Size: 30
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10
Maximum ceremony size includes the couple, their guests (including children), and all vendors (photographers, videographers, officiant, etc.)
3M Curve
3M Curve is our favorite ceremony site in RMNP. It is perfect for small weddings or elopements and offers beautiful views in all directions. For this ceremony site, you park along the side of the road, about 3.5 miles from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. There is no accessible walking path, and there are a couple of hills to walk down. Click here to view 3M Curve's location on Google Maps.
Summer + Winter Weddings (these rules apply year-round)
Maximum Ceremony Size: 15
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 3
Maximum ceremony size includes the couple, their guests (including children), and all vendors (photographers, videographers, officiant, etc.)
Hidden Valley
In our opinion, Hidden Valley is a bit of a hidden gem. Pun intended. Hidden Valley seems to be a bit under the radar for most couples eloping in RMNP. And while it doesn’t offer mind-blowing mountain views, it does offer some beautiful forests. The parking area is about 6 miles from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. There is a large parking lot, restrooms, and it has many options for locations that are wheelchair accessible. Click here to view Hidden Valley's location on Google Maps.
Summer + Winter Weddings (these rules apply year-round)
Maximum Ceremony Size: 30
Maximum Number of Vehicles: no limit
Maximum ceremony size includes the couple, their guests (including children), and all vendors (photographers, videographers, officiant, etc.)
Lily Lake
Lily Lake is technically in RMNP, but it is not accessed through the main gates like most of the other ceremony sites. Instead, it is located about 6.4 miles outside of the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Hwy 7. The lake has two options for ceremonies: Lily Lake Dock, Lily Lake Trail, and the Lily Lake Picnic Area. Lily Lake Picnic Area is the more private of the three options, perched on a small hill, overlooking the lake, and is ideal for larger groups. If you’re looking for a lakeside ceremony, Lily Lake Trail and Lily Lake Dock are good options. Click here to view Lily Lake's location on Google Maps.
Lily Lake Dock (rules apply year-round)
Maximum Ceremony Size: 10
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10 (vehicle limit only applies on dates between Memorial Day weekend and Indigenous Peoples’ Day)
Lily Lake Trail (rules apply year-round)
Maximum Ceremony Size: 20
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10 (vehicle limit only applies on dates between Memorial Day weekend and Indigenous Peoples’ Day)
Lily Lake Southside Picnic Area (rules apply year-round)
Maximum Ceremony Size: 30
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10 (vehicle limit only applies on dates between Memorial Day weekend and Indigenous Peoples’ Day)
Maximum ceremony size includes the couple, their guests (including children), and all vendors (photographers, videographers, officiant, etc.)
Bear Lake Nature Trail
Bear Lake Nature Trail is great for smaller groups. Bear Lake is 11 miles from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and has parking and restrooms. Have your ceremony along the edge of the lake with stunning mountains in the background. Because Bear is a busy area, we suggest avoiding peak times (typically 9 am until 3 pm) and aim for an early ceremony or a ceremony later in the day. Click here to view Bear Lake Nature Trail's location on Google Maps.
Weekday Winter Weddings (only available weekdays on dates after Indigenous Peoples’ Day or before Memorial Day weekend)
Maximum Ceremony Size: 20
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 5
Maximum ceremony size includes the couple, their guests (including children), and all vendors (photographers, videographers, officiant, etc.)
Alluvial Fan Bridge
Alluvial Fan Bridge is located along Endovalley Road, which eventually becomes Old Fall River Road, which is an unpaved road leading up to Trail Ridge Road. It is located about 7 miles outside of the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Hwy 7. Have your ceremony with views of a rocky river and a waterfall. Click here to view Alluvial Fan Bridge’s location on Google Maps.
Summer + Winter Weddings (rules apply year-round)
Maximum Ceremony Size: 20
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 5
Maximum ceremony size includes the couple, their guests (including children), and all vendors (photographers, videographers, officiant, etc.)
Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater
Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater is great for larger groups. Moraine Park Amphitheater is 2.8 miles from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and has parking and restrooms. Have your ceremony in a rustic amphitheater, nestled in the trees. Click here to view Moraine Park Amphitheater's location on Google Maps.
This is the only ceremony site within Rocky Mountain National Park that allows dogs. Dogs must be kept on leash and you must disclose your plans to bring your dog on your permit application. It is important to note that there are strict rules for bringing your dog into the National Park, so it is important for you to decide whether it is a good fit for your plans.
Summer + Winter Weddings (rules apply year-round)
Maximum Ceremony Size: 30
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10 (vehicle limit only applies on dates between Memorial Day weekend and Indigenous Peoples’ Day)
Maximum ceremony size includes the couple, their guests (including children), and all vendors (photographers, videographers, officiant, etc.)
Upper Beaver Meadows
Upper Beaver Meadows is only 1.5 miles from the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and offers a large open space surrounded by forest and mountain views. This area has restrooms and is perfect for larger groups and smaller groups alike. Click here to view Upper Beaver Meadow's location on Google Maps.
Summer + Winter Weddings
Maximum Ceremony Size: 30
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10 (no vehicles from mid-October to mid-May)
Maximum ceremony size includes the couple (including children), their guests, and all vendors (photographers, videographers, officiant, etc.)
Copeland Lake
Copeland Lake is technically in RMNP, but it is not accessed through the main gates like most of the other ceremony sites. Instead, it is located in the Wild Basin Area, about 11 miles outside of the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Hwy 7. Have your ceremony on the edge of Copeland Lake with forest and mountain views. Click here to view Copeland Lake's location on Google Maps.
Summer + Winter Weddings (rules apply year-round)
Maximum Ceremony Size: 30
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10 (vehicle limit only applies on dates between Memorial Day weekend and Indigenous Peoples’ Day)
Maximum ceremony size includes the couple, their guests (including children), and all vendors (photographers, videographers, officiant, etc.)
Harbison Meadow Picnic Area
Harbison Meadow Picnic Area is located on the West Side of the park, most easily accessed by Grand Lake or by driving over Trail Ridge Road. Have your ceremony in a large meadow with forest and mountain views. Click here to view Harbison Meadow Picnic Area’s location on Google Maps.
Summer + Winter Weddings (rules apply year-round)
Maximum Ceremony Size: 30
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 10 (vehicle limit only applies on dates between Memorial Day weekend and Indigenous Peoples’ Day)
Maximum ceremony size includes the couple, their guests (including children), and all vendors (photographers, videographers, officiant, etc.)
Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater
Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater is located on the West Side of the park, most easily accessed by Grand Lake or by driving over Trail Ridge Road. Have your ceremony near the campground with bench seating, surrounded by forest. Click here to view Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater’s location on Google Maps.
Summer + Winter Weddings (rules apply year-round)
Maximum Ceremony Size: 20
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 5
Maximum ceremony size includes the couple, their guests (including children), and all vendors (photographers, videographers, officiant, etc.)
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Our Favorite Adventure Locations in RMNP
Once you’ve chosen the perfect ceremony site for your guest count and your vision, it’s time to start thinking of the adventure portion of your day! Depending on your hours of coverage and the length of the hike you choose, it’s often possible to visit one or two more locations on your wedding day!
Nymph Lake + Dream Lake
If you’re up for a hike, we highly suggest heading up to Dream Lake! It’s one of our favorite spots in the entire park because it offers such a wide variety of views.
The hike to Dream Lake starts at the Bear Lake Trailhead and is 2 miles round trip. Most of the trail is uphill, but about a half-mile in, the trail flattens at Nymph Lake, which is usually covered in lily pads in the summer. After another half-mile up the trail, you finally reach Dream Lake. The lake is framed by Hallett Peak and never fails to take our breath away.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, continue up the trail another half mile to see Emerald Lake.
Trail Ridge Road
If you’re looking for mountain top views that make you feel like you’re on top of the world, then Trail Ridge Road is a perfect choice for you!
The Alpine Visitor Center sits at 11,796 feet, which in most areas is above treeline. At this elevation, you can expect much colder temperatures, wind, and a more difficult time breathing. Because of this, we take it slow with our couples and go-to spots that don’t require much hiking.
Because the tundra is so fragile, make sure to treat it kindly. Be sure to step only on the dirt/paved trails and rocks.
It might surprise you, but you can find a lot of wildlife way up there such as elk and marmots (which kind of look like large alpine squirrels or groundhogs).
Moraine Park
This easily accessible meadow is a perfect pit stop on your drive up Bear Lake Road. Morain Park offers expansive mountain views, great opportunities to see deer and elk, as well as access to the Big Thompson River that snakes its way through the middle. There are also a few pull-offs with picnic tables.
Alberta Falls
Alberta Falls is a gorgeous waterfall near Sprague Lake and Dream Lake. The main trailhead for Alberta Falls starts at the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, but you can also start at the Bear Lake trailhead. From the Glacier Gorge trailhead, the hike to the falls is 1.6 miles roundtrip.
Hidden Gems in Rocky Mountain National Park
It might surprise you, but Rocky Mountain does have some hidden gems and locations that are off the beaten path. As Colorado locals, we spend a lot of time exploring the mountains in search of locations that a not only beautiful but also private. We love being able to share these spots with our couples!
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The Best Hikes In Rocky Mountain National Park
Bear Lake Road Corridor
Sprague Lake Picnic Area
Sprague Lake (0.8 miles roundtrip, 39 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Bear Lake Trailhead
Bear Lake Nature Trail (0.7 miles roundtrip, 49 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Nymph Lake (1.2 miles roundtrip, 262 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Dream Lake (2.0 miles roundtrip, 426 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Emerald Lake (3.2 miles roundtrip, 698 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Lake Haiyaha (3.6 miles roundtrip, 846 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Bierstadt Lake Trailhead
Bierstadt Lake (3.2 miles roundtrip, 626 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Glacier Gorge Trailhead
Alberta Falls (1.6 miles roundtrip, 252 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Mills Lake (4.9 miles roundtrip, 836 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
The Loch Lake (5.4 miles roundtrip, 1,072 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Sky Pond (8.5 miles roundtrip, 1,761 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
The Rest of the Park
Longs Peak Trailhead
Estes Cone (6.0 miles roundtrip, 1,912 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Chasm Lake (8.2 miles roundtrip, 2,542 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Longs Peak (14.8 miles roundtrip, 5,039 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Lily Lake Picnic Area
Lily Lake (0.8 miles roundtrip, 36 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Upper Beaver Meadows
Beaver Mountain (4.1 miles roundtrip, 843 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
3M Curve Pull-Off
Fall River Area
Alluvial Fan Waterfall (0.5 miles roundtrip, 157 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
North Deer Mountain (5.2 miles roundtrip, 738 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Old Fall River Road
Hidden Valley Picnic Area
Hidden Valley Creek Nature Walk (0.5 miles roundtrip, 75 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Trail Ridge Road
Forest Canyon Overlook (0.3 miles roundtrip, 55 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Toll Memorial (previously Tundra Communities) (1.1 miles roundtrip, 154 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
West Side of Rocky Mountain National Park (near Grand Lake)
Lake Irene (0.8 miles roundtrip, 85 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Adams Falls (0.8 miles roundtrip, 104 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Big Meadows (7.4 miles roundtrip, 1,279 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Lone Pine Lake (10.6 miles roundtrip, 1,794 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Timber Lake (12.0 miles roundtrip, 2,349 feet of elevation gain, click here to view the hike on AllTrails)
Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry
2024 Timed Entry Permit System
Beginning on May 24th, 2024, Rocky Mountain National Park will resume their Time Entry Permit System that they first rolled out in 2020. Timed entry reservations will be required in the Bear Lake Road Corridor through October 20th, while the rest of the park only requires a reservation through October 15th.
Before you get too worried, know that your wedding permit will also act as your entry reservation beginning 2 hours before your ceremony timeslot through the end of the day! So if you already have a 2023 wedding permit, you will not need to get a reservation as long as you have your wedding permit on you at all times (we recommend printing it out). If you have guests joining you, make sure they also have their own copy of your wedding permit. You and your guests will just need to pay for park entry on arrival.
Reservations can be made online and cost $25 plus a $2 reservation fee per vehicle. If you have a Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass or Interagency Annual Pass (also called America The Beautiful Pass), your vehicle pass is $0, you will just need to pay the $2 reservation fee. Click here to go to Recreation.gov to purchase your Rocky Mountain National Park Time Entry Reservation. When purchasing your reservation, you will be able to choose a 2-hour time slot. This is when you will need to enter the park, you do not have to leave once your time slot ends.
About 75% of reservations are released monthly at 8:00 am Mountain Time for the following month:
May 1st, 2024 | Reservations for May 24th - June 30th available
June 1st, 2024 | Reservations for July 1st - July 31st available (+ any remaining June dates)
July 1st, 2024 | Reservations for August 1st - August 31st (+ any remaining July dates)
August 1st, 2024 | Reservations for September 1st - September 30th (+ any remaining August dates)
September 1st, 2024 | Reservations for October 1st - October 31st (+ any remaining September dates)
A small percentage of reservations are held to be released the evening before at 7:00 pm Mountain Time. So for example, if you want to enter the park on July 9th, you will be able to check for more reservations on the evening of July 8th. From our experience, these last-minute reservations go SUPER fast, so we recommend planning ahead and purchasing your reservations early instead of waiting until the night before!
Visitors will be able to choose between two types of reservations: Bear Lake Road Corridor and the Rest of the Park. Expand the sections below to learn more about what is in each area.
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Because of its access to some of the best hikes within RMNP, it doesn’t surprise us that a special reservation will be required to access this area.
Reservations will be necessary for entry between 5:00 am and 6:00 pm.
Locations on Bear Lake Road Corridor (click here to see our full list of hikes in RMNP)
— Alberta Falls
— Sprague Lake
— Bear Lake Trailhead (Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Haiyaha Lakes)
— Bierstadt Lake Trailhead
— Glacier Gorge Trailhead
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Reservations will be necessary for entry between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.
Locations in the Rest of the Park (click here to see our full list of hikes in RMNP)
— Longs Peak Trailhead
— Lily Lake Picnic Area
— Upper Beaver Meadows
— 3M Curve Pull-Off
— Fall River Area
— Old Fall River Road
— Hidden Valley Picnic Area
— Many Parks Curve Pull-Off
— Rainbow Curve Pull-Off
— Trail Ridge Road
— West Side of Rocky Mountain National Park (near Grand Lake)
Adventure Elopement Essentials
Colorado Adventure Elopement Packing List
When you choose to have an outdoor, adventure elopement, there are some unique items that you may want to make sure you bring! We’ve compiled this list based on a general adventure elopement in Colorado, but you may want to curate these items based on the activities you have planned for your elopement day. As always, be sure to read reviews and do your own research to find out if an item is right for you and your elopement!
Disclosure: Sometimes we use affiliate links in our elopement planning blog posts and as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This does not cost you anything, but it helps support the creation of these free, informational blog posts. Thank you for your support!
Hiking Essentials
Hiking Backpack - A good backpack is essential for not only carrying your things (sometimes even your wedding attire), but also for keeping your back and shoulders from getting sore. If possible, we recommend trying on hiking backpacks in person because each brand will fit a little bit differently. Click here to read REI’s tips for choosing the right hiking backpack. A backpack can also act as a really great “prop” for your photos. We love photographing couples hiking with a bouquet sticking out and a “just eloped” sign hanging on their backpacks.
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Osprey Skimmer 20 Pack (view on Amazon)
Osprey Skimmer 28 Pack (view on Amazon)
Deuter Trail 28 Pack (view on Amazon)
Osprey Sirrus 36 Pack (view on Amazon)
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Osprey Talon 22 Pack (view on Amazon)
Deuter Trail 30 Pack (view on Amazon)
Osprey Stratos 36 Pack (view on Amazon)
Water Bottles + Reservoirs - You’ll want to be sure to pack enough water with you, particularly if it is warm out or if you plan to do any hiking. The amount needed will depend on the length of the hike as well as the time of year. We prefer water bottles over water reservoirs, but you can opt for either! Either way, be sure your water bottle will fit nicely in your backpack!
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Miir Water Bottle 16 fl. oz. (view on Amazon)
Hydro Flask 24 fl. oz. (view on Amazon)
Hydro Flask 32 fl. oz. (view on Amazon)
Hiking Boots - We see our couples wear a wide range of boots on their elopement days. When choosing your boots, be sure to choose some with good tread and break them in before your elopement day.
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Thursday Boot Co. Captain Boots (view on Amazon)
Danner Adrika Hiker Waterproof Boot (view on Amazon)
Danner Women's Inquire Waterproof Boot (view on Amazon)
Kodiak Low-Rider Original Ankle Boot (view on Amazon)
Kodiak Mahone Hiking Boot (view on Amazon)
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Thursday Boot Co. Captain Boots (view on Amazon)
Thursday Boot Co. Rugged Captain Boots (view on Amazon)
Danner Men's Jag Waterproof Boot (view on Amazon)
Danner Men's Explorer 650 Hiking Boot (view on Amazon)
Kodiak Berkley Ankle Boot (view on Amazon)
Kodiak Clayburn Ankle Boot (view on Amazon)
Headlamps - If your elopement plans have you hiking before sunrise or after sunset, then you’ll need a headlamp to light the way.
Trekking Poles - If the hike you are planning to do is particularly steep, rocky, snowy, of if you have weak knees (like Lisa), then we highly suggest trying out a pair of hiking poles. We love having lightweight poles that fold up to make them easier to travel with.
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Black Diamond FLZ Trekking Poles - Women's (view on Amazon)
Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles (view on Amazon)
Safety Essentials - We always recommend being prepared for the unexpected, whether that is an injury or an unwanted run-in with an animal.
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Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight .5 (view on Amazon)
Adventure Medical Kits Hiker Medical Kit (view on Amazon)
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Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 (view on Amazon)
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 (view on Amazon)
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Face Sunscreen SPF 60 (view on Amazon)
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46 (view on Amazon)
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Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray 8.1 oz (view on Amazon)
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BOOST OXYGEN 10 Liters (view on Amazon)
BOOST OXYGEN 3 Liters (view on Amazon)
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HotHands Hand Warmers (view on Amazon)
HotHands Body Warmers (view on Amazon)
HotHands Insole Foot Warmers (view on Amazon)
Zippo HeatBank Rechargeable Hand Warmer (view on Amazon)
Where to Get Your Marriage License in Estes Park
You can pick up your marriage license in any Colorado county and use it in any Colorado county. So it might make sense to pick up your marriage license in Denver on your way into the mountains, or you can pick your marriage license up right in downtown Estes Park!
Estes Park County Clerk & Recorder
Location: 1601 Brodie Avenue, Estes Park, CO 80517 (Click here to view in Google Maps)
Hours: Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Appointments for Marriage Licenses are Required
How to Get a Marriage License in Estes Park
Step 1: Fill out and submit the online marriage application.
Step 2: Make an appointment by using the online scheduler. Note that you may only book an appointment up to 21 days in advance.
Click here to learn more about getting a marriage license in Estes Park, Colorado
Requirements for a Colorado Marriage License
One form of valid, photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
Both parties must be present to pick up a marriage license.
Colorado marriage licenses cost $30. In addition, it is suggested that you also get at least 3 certified copies, this will be an extra fee (typically around $3/copy). These are good to have for your records as well as for the name-change process, if you plan to do so.
Colorado does not have a waiting period for marriage licenses, you can sign it on the same day that you pick it up! However, we do suggest picking up your marriage license at least one day early in case there are any delays.
Colorado marriage licenses are only valid to be used for ceremonies in the State of Colorado. You can’t pick up a Colorado marriage license and then have your ceremony in another state.
Once you’ve picked up your marriage license, your ceremony must take place within 35 days. After that, your marriage license will no longer be valid and you will need to reapply.
After your ceremony, you will return your signed marriage license to the county clerk & recorder office that you picked it up from. For most locations, you can either drop it off in person or mail it in. You have 63 days to return your marriage license, but we recommend doing it as soon as you can!
Who Can Sign a Colorado Marriage License
One thing that makes eloping in Colorado unique is that you have the option to self-solemnize your own marriage! This means that you do not need an officiant or any witnesses to make your marriage legal.
Why you might consider self-solemnizing your own elopement:
You don’t want to hire an officiant.
You don’t have any guests and you imagine hiking out into the mountains and saying your vows with just your partner (and photographer, of course).
You are inviting guests, but you would rather lead your own elopement ceremony instead of asking a guest to officiate.
You have a guest who you’d like to officiate, but you don’t want them to have to make it legal by becoming ordained. Our favorite example of this was when our couple’s children officiated their elopement!
Of course, you can always still keep things traditional by having an ordained officiant! Estes Park has quite a few officiants that we love that are available for hire! Or you can have one of your guests become ordained for your ceremony. The easiest way to do this is to sign up through Universal Life Church, this is the route Alex took!
Examples of Self-Solemnized Elopement Ceremonies
Examples of Elopement Ceremonies with an Officiant
Are you ready to start your Colorado elopement adventure?
We’re Lisa + Alex (those goofballs in the photo above). We are local Colorado elopement photographers and videographers who are passionate about giving our couples the most incredible wedding day possible. We work closely with each of our couples to offer location options, vendor recommendations, and fun ideas to personalize their wedding day.
Each couple who books with us will receive their own, collaborative Elopement Planning Portal. We know that planning your elopement can seem overwhelming, but we’re here to make the planning process easy and fun.
See Some More Colorado Elopements!
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