How To Elope In Rocky Mountain National Park

Adventure Elopement, Couples Adventure Session, Destination Elopement, Elopement Photography, Elopement Planning

August 25, 2024

Bride and Groom embrace and kiss after saying their vows in front of a large mountain with alpine glow from the rising sun in Rocky Mountain National Park

A Guide To Planning a Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement

Hey there, adventurers!

So, you’ve made the decision to elope and are interested in learning how to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park? First and foremost, Congratulations!! You’re about to embark on one of the most breathtaking and unforgettable adventures of your life. I’ve been to a lot of national parks and I can confidently say that Rocky Mountain National Park is a top choice for couples who love mountains, incredible views, and wildlife! I’m so excited to share some tips to help make your Colorado elopement day as perfect as possible, so let’s dive in!

A bride is reading her vows to her groom in front of a large mountain range at Rocky Mountain National Park.
A groom is reading his vows to his bride in front of a large mountain range at Rocky Mountain National Park.
A bride and groom are holding hands and raising them in celebration after exchanging wedding vows in front of a large mountain at Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Guide-Table of Contents:

A detail shot of a mountain elopement. The shot includes hiking boots, bride and groom vow books, the bride's wedding ring, and the brides bouquet

Choose Your Ceremony Site for your Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement

Rocky Mountain National Park is a dream destination for your adventure elopement. With its breathtaking mountain views, alpine lakes, and wildflower-filled meadows, the park offers endless options. But with great beauty comes great decision-making! Think about what kind of backdrop resonates with you as a couple. Do you envision a sunrise ceremony by a serene lake or a sunset exchange of vows with mountains in the distance? Rocky Mountain National Park has twelve designated ceremony sites for elopements and intimate weddings. Although your ceremony must be held at one of these sites, you can combine it with a hike elsewhere for stunning portraits! Click here to learn more about these beautiful ceremony locations.

A bride stands on top of a rock holding her hand out to her groom with large mountains behind them at their Rocky Mountain National Park elopement

Plan Ahead: Essential Steps for planning your Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement

This park is an extremely popular Colorado elopement location, so planning ahead is key. You will need to make sure to:

  • OBTAIN A WEDDING PERMIT: For your Rocky Mountain National Park elopement, you’ll need a special use permit. The application process is straightforward, but you’ll need to apply well in advance. Click here for all the information you’ll need on securing your permit!
  • CHECK THE WEATHER: The weather in the park can be unpredictable. Even in summer, it’s good to be prepared for sudden changes. Layers are your friend!
  • KNOW THE RULES: Familiarize yourself with park regulations, especially regarding where you can and can’t go. This ensures that you’re respecting the park and its natural beauty.
  • GET A MARRIAGE LICENSE: Colorado marriage licenses are issued in person at any County Clerk and Recorder’s office throughout the state. Colorado is such an easy place to get married. Simply walk into a County Clerk’s office with your partner, fill out some paperwork, and sign the license. (Make sure to bring your photo ID!) You do not need a witness or an officiant for your ceremony. Colorado is a self-solemnizing state, which means that couples can legally marry themselves without an officiant or witnesses. Easy Peasy.
  • GET YOUR RMNP TIMED ENTRY PERMIT: Rocky Mountain National Park uses a timed entry permit system to manage the number of visitors and reduce crowding. Here’s what you need to know:
    • Timed Entry Permits: To visit the park, you need a permit that specifies a particular entry time. This helps control the number of people in the park at any given time.
    • Booking: You can book these permits online in advance. There’s usually a reservation window a few months ahead, and permits might be released on a rolling basis.
    • Entry Times: The permits are divided into different time slots. You can enter the park only during your allotted time, but once inside, you can stay as long as you want until the park closes.
    • No Permit, No Entry: Without a permit for the specific time slot, you won’t be allowed into the park. This rule helps keep visitor numbers manageable.
    • Changes and Cancellations: If your plans change, you can often modify or cancel your reservation through the system you used to book.

This system helps protect the park’s natural beauty and ensures a better experience for everyone. Click here for more info on the timed entry permits.

A bride and groom embrace in the mountains while the wind blows the brides hair around. This is an upclose shot of the brides hair being blown
A bride and groom walk hand in hand with mountains behind them. The bride is leading the groom.
A groom lifts and spins his bride with mountains behind them at their Colorado elopement
A bride and groom run hand in hand away from the camera and towards the mountains behind them at their Colorado elopement

Time Your Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement

Timing is everything. For the best lighting and fewer crowds, consider eloping during:

  • Early Morning: The sunrise light is magical, and the park is quieter. Plus, you get to enjoy the beauty before the day-trippers arrive.
  • Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The golden hour just before sunset can provide a warm, romantic glow. Again, just be mindful of the crowds.
  • Weekdays: Weekends can be busy, so consider eloping on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
A bride and groom are touching foreheads and looking into each others eyes, while the brides veil blows in the wind. There are mountains behind them

Dress The Part

Wearing something that looks amazing in photos and is comfortable for a bit of adventure is a must. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Comfort is Key: If you’re planning on hiking to a spot, make sure your attire is comfortable and suitable for the terrain.
  • Layer Your Clothing: The temperature can vary significantly, so wearing layers will keep you prepared.
  • Footwear: Good footwear is essential, especially if you’ll be walking or hiking to your chosen location. You can always bring a pretty pair of shoes to change into once you reach your ceremony location, or wear those hiking boots proudly during the ceremony!

A bride and groom walk together at their Colorado elopement. The groom is slightly behind the bride helping to hold her dress up from the ground.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand at their colorado mountain elopement
A bride and groom kiss and the bride holds her bouquet up in celebration of their marriage. There is an open field and large mountains behind them at their colorado elopement

Capture The Moments

As a photographer, my job is to capture your unique love story against the stunning backdrop of the Rockies. Here are a few tips to get the best out of your elopement:

  • Discuss Your Vision: Share your ideas and preferences with your photographer. This ensures they capture the moments that matter most to you.
  • Relax and Enjoy: The best photos come when you’re truly in the moment. Trust your photographer, and let the beauty of the park and your love shine through.
A bride and groom walk over large rocks wearing their wedding attire as they prepare to exchange vows at their colorado elopement
A bride and groom are standing on top of rocks with large mountains behind them while they exchange vows

Consider Having a Plan B For Your Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement

Weather can be unpredictable, so having a backup plan is always a good idea. Perhaps choose a nearby location for an indoor ceremony or have a flexible schedule that allows you to adjust based on weather conditions.

Celebrate With A View

After your elopement ceremony, take some time to enjoy the park. Let’s go on a hike to a stunning location for amazing portraits and then have a celebratory picnic with breathtaking mountain views! What a perfect way to end your elopement day!

A bride and groom walk away from the camera and towards the mountains that are behind them at their colorado adventure elopement

Bonus Tip: Beautiful Hikes and Lookouts for your After-Ceremony Portraits

  • Dream Lake Trail: Relatively easy; 2.2 miles roundtrip; alpine lake surrounded by rocky peaks
  • Emerald Lake Trail: Relatively easy; 3.2 miles roundtrip; alpine lake surrounded by rocky peaks
  • Lake Haiyaha: This moderately challenging hike covers about 4 miles roundtrip. Enjoy the lake’s striking turquoise-blue waters and serene atmosphere.
  • Alpine Ridge Trail: Short but steep!; 0.6 miles roundtrip; This hike provides panoramic views of snow capped peaks and the tundra below!
  • Tundra Communities Trailhead: 1.2 miles roundtrip; 12, 110 feet above sea level; Sweeping mountain views and the beauty of the alpine tundra.
A landscape image of mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park with alpine glow from the rising sun on top of the mountains
A landscape image of a path beside a mountain range in Rocky Mountain National Park
A landscape image of a large mountain range visible in the background between two large rock formations
A moose in a forest in Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado

I hope this was helpful in learning how to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park. As you set off on your elopement adventure, remember that this is your special day, set against one of nature’s most stunning backdrops. With some planning and flexibility, you’ll have a celebration that’s nothing short of incredible. Whether you’re saying “I do” with the mountains in the background or wrapping up your day with a scenic hike and a picnic, let the stunning views and your love story do the talking. Here’s to an amazing day full of unforgettable moments and gorgeous scenery! Happy Eloping!

If this is your first time on my page, I’m so happy you’re here! I’m Courtney, a destination elopement photographer for adventurous couples who crave raw, real, storytelling images. These are the types of images that set my soul on fire and these are what I want to give to you. I aim to capture your dream adventure with images that convey deep emotion and connection, revealing your uniquely beautiful love story.

A woman holding her camera in one hand and putting her hair behind her ear with the other hand. She is smiling at the camera and this is a headshot for her photography business

If you’re planning an adventure elopement of your own, click the button below! Let’s chat about what you’re dreaming up!

Let’s Chat!

Interested in Eloping but want some ideas on some other elopement locations? Click here, here, here, and here! 🙂

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