Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement: Best Places To Elope In Rocky Mountain National Park

Looking For the Best Places to Elope in or Around Rocky Mountain National Park? Let Me Help!

As someone who eloped in the park herself, I absolutely adore a Rocky Mountain National Park elopement. It is perfect for the adventurous couple who loves the views and doesn’t mind potentially getting a little dirty, or caught by a little weather! There are SO many good options for locations to elope in Colorado, but RMNP and Estes Park nearby has got to be my number one pick. In this guide, I’ll go over some of my favorite and best places to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park, along with some tips and tricks to get it done.

Where Can I Elope in the Park?

There are 13 locations within the park that allow wedding and elopement ceremonies. Click each link below to learn more about them!

• 3M Curve
• Alluvial Fan
• Bear Lake Nature Trail
• Copeland Lake
• Harbison Meadows
• Hidden Valley
• Lily Lake Dock
• Lily Lake Southside Picnic Area
• Lily Lake Trail
• Moraine Park and Visitor Center
• Sprague Lake
• Timber Creek Campground Ampitheatre
• Upper Beaver Meadows

3M Curve has got to be the most epic place to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park. (I may be biased because that is where I eloped myself!) It is a rocky platform overlooking the valley and the continental divide. But a close second would be the Alluvial fan. I think this is one of the best places to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park because it has a waterfall, rocks to climb, and epic mountain views surrounding you!

Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Tips

The very first thing you need to do is apply for a special use permit. This Link goes over exactly what you need for your day, but below I will outline the main things you need to know.

• Applications are accepted up to one year in advance, but there is a cap on how many they accept per season; be sure to apply as soon as you know what your preferred date is!
• There is a non-refundable fee of $300 for your permit. This makes picking your venue SUPER affordable!
• Weddings are only allowed are designated parts of the park. More on that later!
• Drones are strictly prohibited anywhere in the park
• Entrance fees still apply, but you are not required to obtain a timed entry reservation
• You may not put up decorations, arches, tables, tents, etc, and you can not use any sound amplifiers
• Ceremonies are limited to two hours maximum
• Each ceremony site has a maximum number of people and cars that are permitted, so be sure to check out the link above for that!

How to Apply For Your Special Use Permit For a Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement or Wedding

1. Complete your application
   • Download and fill out your application in its entirety, or else it won’t be accepted
2. Submit your application via email to romo_fees_permits@nps.gov. They do request to allow 7 to 10 days for a response.
3. Wait for the park to review your application
   • Once you submit your application, the park will review it and then email you back your permit requesting your signature. They will also send you instructions on how to submit your $300 non-refundable fee.
4. Final permit
   • Once you have submitted your signature and fee, they will email you back your final authorized permit. Please note that you must keep this on you at all times during your allotted time frame, and be sure to follow all of the guidelines the park shares with you.

FAQ’s For Your Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement

Does the park offer a shuttle service?

Yes! The park offers shuttles during the summer.

What other transportation options should I know about?

The park strongly suggests you carpool. Not only does this help your guests save money on entrance fees, but it is also important to follow the guidelines outlining how many vehicles are permitted at your site.

Can we go to other places to take pictures within the park?

Yes! You are allowed inside the park 2 hours before your ceremony, and for the remainder of the day.

Can we have our dog at our ceremony?

Dogs on a leash are only allowed at Moraine Park Discovery Center Amphitheater, Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater, and Harbison Meadows. You must indicate on your application that you would like to bring your dog to the ceremony.

Do we need a separate permit for any of our vendors?

No, your permit covers your vendors, so long as you do not go over the allowed number of people that can be present at your ceremony site.

Looking for More Resources?

If you’re looking for more Colorado engagement photoshoot location ideas, I have so many to share! One of my favorites is in Vail, be sure to check out my guide for a Camp Hale Wedding. As someone who spent the past five years adventuring, hiking, snowboarding, and photographing in the Colorado mountains, I have as many photo locations as there are trees in the woods!

If you’re ready to book your Colorado wedding photographer, I would love to help you out with finding your wedding venue and crafting your wedding timeline! If you’re searching for a Colorado Elopement Photographer to document your Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement I would love to chat with you and to help you plan your dream Colorado Elopement.

I’m Jena, a Colorado wedding photographer who loves capturing real, emotional moments. My goal is to help you remember every laugh, tear, and smile for years to come. Simply reach out to me and tell me about your vision!